Padel courts plans for Linslade face redesign to fend off Sport England objection
Plans have been drawn up for two Padel courts at the Linslade Memorial Playing Field, although a statutory objection from Sport England will need to be overcome.
Padel, described as the world’s fastest-growing racket sport, currently lacks facilities in Central Bedfordshire, according to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).
Applicant Richard Braithwaite, of Linslade Tennis Club in Mentmore Road, has submitted an application to Central Bedfordshire Council for the two courts, on a third of an acre of the current playing fields.
The courts would be surrounded by reinforced glass, with 2.5m high metal mesh fencing around the perimeter, floodlighting and eight parking spaces. There would be a tarmac finish to walkways around the courts, and artificial grass to the playing surface.
Opening hours would be from 8am to 10pm daily, including Sundays and Bank Holidays, said the application form. The full plans will be considered by Leighton-Linslade Town Council’s planning and transport committee on Wednesday, (July 1) although the final decision rests with CBC.
In its submission to the local authority, Sport England explained: “The LTA advises that there’s a lack of Padel facilities within Central Bedfordshire, and a clear need for such provision in the area.
“It acknowledges that Linslade Tennis Club has a community focus and intends to develop a pay-and-play model for the proposed Padel courts. This is aimed at youth participants, disability sessions, and girls only bookings, as well as adults.
“Sport England welcomes this community and accessible approach. But the proposed facility would be located north of the bowling green on the playing field.
“The playing field has had football pitches and a cricket square marked, which this Padel facility would affect. It’s not clear from the submitted plans whether these pitches could be marked, if these Padel courts are developed.
“Their location would result in the loss of the cricket pitch because of the proximity to the cricket square. Sport England understands the cricket wickets aren’t currently in use.
“However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has stated that a local club has made inquires to use the pitch as it currently has to play outside the town.
“There’s a shortfall of cricket provision in the Linslade area, with the Memorial Playing Fields seen as a site suitable to bring back into use. A need to protect the site for future cricket use is apparent.”
Sport England recognises the positives of these plans, which would address a local need, it added. “But the impact on cricket and football is notable in an area where there are shortfalls of pitch availability.
“So Sport England is unable to conclude that the benefits of the project outweigh the negative impact on the playing field, and raises a statutory objection to the application.
“Sport England advises the applicant to consider an alternative location for the Padel facility, without affecting the football and cricket pitch marking, which may result in having to amend the site layout or design.
“There’s an area between the tennis courts and play area that could accommodate Padel courts, or a more linear design along the east or west park boundary, potentially.”