Plans submitted for three padel courts in Hull

Courts designed for the "world's fastest growing sport" could be on their way to Hull.

A planning application for three padel courts to be built at Active+ on Harpings Road, off National Avenue, has been received by Hull City Council.

It includes two double courts and a single court to replace the sports centre's five-a-side football pitch.

Padel is a racquet sport played on courts that are about three-quarters of the size of those used in tennis.

The courts are enclosed and the ball is allowed to bounce of the walls while remaining in play. It has the same scoring rules as tennis.

Padel was described by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) as "the fastest growing sport in the world".

Having originated in Mexico, padel has become more popular across the Americas and Europe in recent years and has now made it to the UK, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

According to the LTA, there are currently over 500 padel courts in Great Britain.

The application for courts in Hull has been submitted on behalf of East Coast Padel, which has a lease from Active+.

East Coast Padel director Jaak Cheshire said "the sport is booming" but "Hull is lagging behind".

Mr Cheshire noted there are already three padel sites in Lincoln and, due to Hull's even larger population, he expected padel would become extremely popular in the city.

Hull City Council will review and decide on the application.

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