What has been described as the world’s fastest growing sport is coming to Wargrave.
Plans submitted by Wargrave tennis club have been approved by officers at Wokingham borough council for the installation of a “pop-up” padel court at the club.
The plans asked for permission to install a single pop-up padel court on one of the existing eight tennis courts at Wargrave tennis club.
The proposal was for a temporary structure that could potentially be removed without causing damage to the existing tennis court.
The padel court will have four floodlight columns, six metres in height, and be enclosed by glass walls that will be four metres in height.
The surface will be blue artificial turf, and there will be net posts.
Notes to the appl;ication said: “The installation of a pop-up padel court will bring several benefits to Wargrave and the wider Wokingham borough.
“Padel tennis is a fast-growing sport that is accessible to players of all abilities, helping to encourage a more active community.
“The court will be available for use by club members and non-members alike, promoting inclusivity.
“By introducing an additional racket sport, Wargrave tennis club can attract new members, ensuring long-term sustainability.”
The cost of the pop-up installation could be as much as £34,000.
In approving the plans, officers noted there are no residential properties in the immediate vicinity, and there are no concerns about overlooking, loss of light or overbearing.
They said: “The proposed padel court would have its own external illumination which would in addition to the existing illumination for the main court.
“It is considered the illumination proposed would not have any significant impact on neighbouring amenity, given the established use of similar external lighting in the vicinity, and considering the nearest residential receptors are a significant distance away from the application site.”
No objections were raised during the consultation period, while there were two supporting comments, including from the parish council.
