Plans for new Aldridge tennis facility to offer something 'not currently available' in the area
A new padel tennis facility could be opened up in a business park with the blessing of the sport’s national governing body.
Padel Plus Ltd have put forward proposals to take over a unit, at Westpoint on Middlemore Lane West, Aldridge, and produce four courts to enable people to play the variation of the sport.
And the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has supported the plan, saying it would enhance the development of the sport in the local area.
Padel originated in Mexico and has been described as a cross between tennis and squash and is played on enclosed, slightly smaller courts.
In a letter to Walsall Council planning officers, Jill Osleger, Head of Region – Midlands, Central & East LTA – National Governing Body for Tennis, said she wanted to support the plans.
She said: “The additional facilities will significantly enhance the development of the sport in the local area and strengthen the ability of the facility to provide year-round multi-sport activities and include padel within their community offer.
“Padel is currently not available in that area so will be new facilities for the local community to enjoy and gain the many physical and mental health benefits participation in padel brings.
“Plans to open this up as a pay & play opportunity as well as recruit coaches from the local workforce is in line with the LTA’s Strategic Plan “Tennis Opened Up”.
“This letter is an indication of support for the development but does not indicate that the project will receive LTA funding.
“Should the venue apply for any LTA capital funding for this project it will be
assessed with all other applications received in the same process as set out in the LTA’s Funding Guide.”
In the application, agents A&M Architectural Partnership said: “It is evident that the proposals will not cause any detrimental visual impact to the surrounding areas or to the visual appearance of the countryside.
“The privacy and or amenity of neighbouring property will not be disturbed by the proposed works.”
Walsall Council planning officers are expected to make a decision on the proposal in December.
