Four new padel courts open in Leeds as demand for the sport soars
Council approves Football World padel courts plan
A fast-growing racket sport can be enjoyed at an east Leeds sports centre after plans were agreed with the council.
Football World in Cross Green has built four padel courts which were approved following inspection by Leeds City Council planners.
Flood-lit outdoor courts were proposed by the soccer centre at Cross Green Industrial Estate on Pontefract Lane.
Planning permission was needed to meet demand for the sport, a cross between tennis and squash.
A council planning officer’s report said: “This application seeks planning permission to install four uncovered padel courts.
“Upon undertaking the officer site visit it was evident that the courts had been fully installed and were available for use, so this scheme involves the retention of the facility.”
The council decided there was no impact on road safety, or any need to restrict the opening hours of the courts, proposed to be 6am-11.30pm.
A design report submitted by the applicant said the popularity of padel had been surging in recent years.
It said: “The proposal is for the installation of four uncovered outdoor padel courts, arranged in two rows of two, on one of the existing football pitches.”
Padel was known to boost physical and mental well-being and encourage social connections, the report said.
It said: “It is particularly well-suited for older players, beginners or those returning to sport, due to the smaller court size and slower-paced rallies.”