(Image: T&A)
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A vacant warehouse will become a new padel and pilates centre after plans were approved by the council.
An application by Just Padel to open the courts in the former Crucial Engineering warehouse on Rook Lane in Bradford was submitted to the council earlier this Summer.
At a meeting of the Bradford Planning Panel on Wednesday, the application was unanimously approved by councillors.
7 padel courts
The application said the development would include six doubles padel courts, one singles court, a first-floor Pilates studio, reception facilities and changing accommodation.
It added: “The proposal represents a significant private sector investment into Bradford and will deliver a new sporting destination capable of serving Bradford and the wider West Yorkshire region.”
39 objections - but no other alternative use
The large building, at the junction with Law Street and just off Tong Street, has been vacant since January.
There had been a mixed response to the plans, with 89 support comments and 39 objections.
Objectors said it was inappropriate to use the building for padel, and argued it would cause traffic problems.
But planning officers had recommended the plans for approval.
The rear of the building - where customers would park (Image: T&A)
Planning officer Andrew Moxon told the panel: “The unit has been vacant since January and no other alternative use has come forward until this application.”
He said there would be 49 parking spaces, and the business would open between 7.30am and 11pm.
'The building won’t win any architectural awards for design'
Councillor Matt Edward (Green, Holme Wood and Bierley) spoke on the item at the meeting.
He thanked the applicants for engaging with local councillors, saying they had reduced the planned opening hours from 24/7.
Cllr Matt Edwards in BD4 (Image: Newsquest)
He said: “I don’t take much on face value, but after speaking to the applicants I do genuinely feel they want to be good neighbours.
“The building won’t win any architectural awards for design – it is not something people would flock to see, but the applicants are keen to improve that.”
Plans approved
Applicant Ikraam Ibrahim said: “This is the re-use of an existing vacant building.
"We will be bringing sport and wellbeing to the BD4 area.”
The plans were unanimously approved.
According to the company’s application, Just Padel is “one of the United Kingdom's leading indoor padel operators and has established a successful track record in delivering and operating large-scale indoor padel facilities throughout the North West.
“The company currently operates successful facilities in Preston, Bolton and Blackpool, each providing high-quality indoor sporting environments designed to increase participation in one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.”