Padel site to replace existing tennis courts
GoogleNew padel tennis courts will be created at a sports club in what developers hope will help to "reduce childhood obesity", according to approved plans.
South Tyneside Council has given the go ahead for "five illuminated padel courts" to replace half of the South Shields Tennis Club, also known as Westoe Lawn Tennis Club, off Dean Road in South Shields.
Padel Project UK Ltd will install the hard courts on the north of site, with the remainder continuing its current use for caravan parking.
Under planning conditions, the development must be brought forward within three years.
Padel is a type of tennis played with specialist balls and rackets in a small enclosed court, where walls are part of the court and can be used in play.
The new site will include space for the "rapidly growing sport" and feature playing cages, a reception and storage area and changing facilities, plans seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
Council planners said the proposal would "support healthy lifestyles", with supporters saying the development is an "excellent idea for South Shields" and would "encourage youngsters to get into the sport".
One objection raised concerns about potential light pollution from floodlights impacting properties in nearby Hartington Terrace.
However, the council concluded the development would have "no harm upon the character of the wider conservation area given the site specific circumstances" and that lights would be "constructed in a similar location to previous floodlights located at the tennis courts".
Padel Project UK Ltd said the site will be for children and adults and they plan to work with the local council and rugby club to target specific groups in need of access to sports.