A planned padel complex in Washington has been given the go-ahead for a second time after developers scaled back the scheme from nine courts to seven.
Soul Padel Ltd, which won permission earlier this year for a nine-court facility at Peel Retail Park, recently submitted revised plans after discovering existing utilities running across part of the site.
The redesigned scheme also includes additional parking, while plans for a clubhouse with changing rooms, toilets, a coffee bar and seating area remain unchanged.
Proposed site for new padel courts development at Peel Retail Park in Washington Credit LDRS
The seven courts will be arranged in two rows beneath a canopy.
Padel is one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports, blending elements of tennis and squash. It is played on an enclosed court where walls can be used during play.
In recent years, the sport has gained popularity across the North East, with several facilities being established and developed in Sunderland.
Soul Padel Ltd was described in planning documents as a “UK-based operator specialising in the development and long-term management of padel facilities”, with a “mission to make padel an inclusive and sociable sport, encouraging participation from people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities”.
Council planners who approved the original nine-court scheme agreed the proposals would not have a detrimental impact on the vitality and viability of Washington town centre or Concord district centre.
Proposed site for new padel courts development at Peel Retail Park in Washington Credit LDRS
They also noted that developers had demonstrated there were no suitable alternative sites available within the designated centres.
Sunderland City Council’s planning department approved the revised plans on October 13.
Officers noted that the principle of developing padel courts on the site had already been established through the previous planning permission.
They described the revised design and landscaping as “good quality” and added that the development was acceptable in terms of its size and scale.
The plans include a clubhouse made from two modified shipping containers, housing a reception desk, changing rooms, accessible toilets, a coffee bar with seating and storage facilities.
An accompanying planning, design and access statement said the development would “integrate seamlessly into the existing retail park setting” while delivering several benefits.
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These include the “positive and beneficial use of underutilised land”, providing “modern, accessible and much-needed sports facilities for the local community” and enhancing Washington’s recreational offer.
For more information on the plans, visit the council’s planning portal and search for reference 26/01804/FUL.
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