First look at padel courts plan for former Leeds hospital car park site
Padel courts plan for former hospital car park
Padel courts could be built on a former hospital car park in east Leeds if plans can be agreed with the council.
Five outdoor racket ball courts are proposed on land at Dolly Lane, near St James’s University Hospital in Burmantofts.
Proposals for the site include floodlights, a cafe area and other facilities housed in re-purposed shipping containers.
Leeds City Council is considering a full planning application for the scheme, designed to meet growing demand for padel facilities.
A design report by Clan Architects said: “Padel is one of the UK’s fastest-growing participation sports, with demand significantly outstripping existing supply in the Leeds and West Yorkshire area.
“The facility will be publicly accessible and operated on a pay-to-play basis, broadening participation across the community.”
The report said the site was currently vacant after previously being used as a car park serving the hospital and nearby businesses.
Parking spaces with electric vehicle charging points, and a vehicle drop-off zone, would be provided at the site, the report said.
It said: “It is accessible by public transport, walking, and cycling, with on-site parking provided.”
The report said council planners had already approved new padel facilities in Alwoodley, Moor Allerton, Cross Green and Seacroft over the past two years.
It said: “The development is therefore considered acceptable in planning terms and is respectfully submitted to Leeds City Council for approval.”
The planning application is out for consultation until July 13.