Popular Morecambe sports club in bid to open padel courts
Plans have been revealed to install two padel courts at a popular Morecambe sports club.
Trimpell Sports And Social Club has applied to Lancaster City Council to install two padel courts and associated floodlighting.
The applicant on behalf of Trimpell is Steve Riley of SR Sports Consultancy Ltd.
Planning documents said: “This planning application seeks approval for the installation of two new padel courts at Trimpell Sports and Social Club.
"Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in Europe. Its accessible, social format appeals to all ages and abilities, making it an ideal addition to the existing sports offer at Trimpell.
"The new courts will reduce pressure on existing facilities and expand opportunities for coaching, social play and community events.
"They will also enable the venue to host tournaments and leagues, helping to raise Morecambe’s sporting profile.
"This proposal seeks to enhance the existing facilities by adding two new padel courts, each fitted with four six-metre floodlights.
"The courts will be positioned specifically on the under utilised land previously occupied by cricket practice nets and heavy maintenance equipment storage (such as pitch rollers and covers).
"The development will modernise the club’s offer, diversify participation, and provide a high quality facility that restores sporting utility to a vacant area of the grounds.”
Planning documents said there are currently very limited padel facilities in Lancashire and none in Morecambe.
They said: "The introduction of two new courts at Trimpell will help meet growing local interest in the sport and broaden the range of activities available to residents across the area.
"The padel courts will be constructed using high quality, durable materials.
"The courts measure 20m x 10m and are positioned on the redundant cricket area.
"The proposal will have minimum impact on the surrounding character due to its location within an established sports complex.
"The modest scale of the structures and the use of sympathetic materials ensure the courts sit comfortably within the site.
"Overall the development will enhance the site by modernising its sports offer and reinforcing its role as a community hub.”
Councillors have yet to make a decision on the planning application.
View planning reference number 26/00496/FUL at https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/planning/view-applications-and-decisions