GraceMachin Planning & Property secure permission for new Padel Tennis facility at Bottesford
Planning approval has been given for a new Padel Tennis facility in Bottesford which it is hoped will open in the summer.
The development has been earmarked on land off Orston Lane, close to the Barbrey Business Park, and will comprise three covered courts, a kiosk and parking for 24 vehicles.
GraceMachin Planning & Property secured permission from Melton Borough Council for the scheme, which will enable players to play from early morning to late in the evening.
The specialist planning consultancy highlighted challenges they had to address, including carefully balancing highway safety, designing an appropriate access and drainage strategy, and identifying suitable on-site provision for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
There was strong local support for the scheme with 35 letters of support sent to the council, with many highlighting the need to provide additional health and fitness facilities in a growing village.
Local Padel players said the centre would enable them to play closer to home instead of having to travel at facilities in Newark or Nottingham.
Nick Grace, partner at GraceMachin Planning & Property, commented: “This approval is a great success for the local community and fills a clear gap in the Padel market around Grantham and the Vale of Belvoir.
"While the application presented a number of challenges, prioritising a leisure use, securing on-site biodiversity net gain and addressing access and highway matters were key.
"The strong local support demonstrated just how valuable this facility will be for Bottesford.”
Andy Smith, speaking on behalf of the Norris family, which owns the land, added: “We are delighted to have gained approval for our padel facility in Bottesford.
“Once our Biodiversity Gain Plan is approved, development will commence, and we are hopeful that by the end of the summer we will be playing Padel in Bottesford.”
Padel, which is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, is played on an enclosed court in a doubles format and is seen as a hybrid between tennis and squash.
