Brigid Taylor from Bell Cornwell has secured planning permission for an exciting new addition to Worldham Golf Club – three padel tennis courts, along with associated walls and infrastructure. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the club, which has been a popular destination for outdoor sports and recreation since its establishment in 1992-1993.
Padel Tennis, a rapidly growing racket sport, combines elements of tennis and squash, creating a unique and engaging experience. Played on an enclosed court approximately one-third the size of a standard tennis court, the game allows the ball to bounce on the ground turf and surrounding walls, adding an extra layer of excitement and skill. Located in the picturesque open countryside near Alton, Hampshire, Worldham Golf Club’s existing lawful use for outdoor sports and recreation paved the way for this development. However, obtaining planning permission for the operational development required for the construction of the courts, including hard surfacing, walls, and potential future floodlighting infrastructure, presented its own set of challenges, which we successfully navigated through the planning system,
One of the key difficulties we overcame was demonstrating the principle of economic development and sports in the countryside. As a rural enterprise, Worldham Golf Club sought to diversify its offerings and secure a more economically viable future. The addition of padel tennis courts not only supports the sustainable growth and expansion of the business in the rural area but also extends the range of sports available to the local community. The local council recognised the merits of our case, acknowledging that the natural environment would not be adversely affected and that the proposal supports the environmental objective of sustainable development.
We’re proud to have played a pivotal role in bringing this exciting new sporting opportunity to Worldham Golf Club and the surrounding community. As padel tennis continues to captivate audiences worldwide, we look forward to witnessing the positive impact these courts will have on the local area, fostering an active lifestyle and creating new avenues for recreation and enjoyment.
Securing Planning Permission for Padel Tennis Courts in the Countryside
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