District planners have signed off on an application for two new padel courts at Kenilworth Tennis, Squash & Croquet Club.

Having had great success since installing two padel courts last year, the Crackley Lane club now wants to double the amount of space for the sport.

The approved application says the new courts will come at the expense of an existing tennis court.

Plans had originally included covers for the courts, but this has not been included in the final permission.

Four comments of support and two objections were made to the scheme, but a Warwick District Council report said the proposals were appropriate.

"In the opinion of the local planning authority, the development would constitute appropriate development in the green belt and would not be detrimental to the appearance of the area and the amenity of local residents," the report said.

KTSCC says it has attracted over 100 new members to the club and over 240 'pay-and-play' customers since launching the two padel courts in 2023.

The courts were originally planned to have covers (image via planning application)

There will now be eight tennis courts and four padel courts at the club.

"The courts have been operating at capacity during the late afternoons and evenings and there is a demand for additional courts," the application explained.

"In particular, additional court space would enable more coaching opportunities which is the entry route for many into padel and other sporting activities." 

The application added: "The installation [of] two new all-weather padel courts will further enhance the facilities available at Kenilworth Tennis, Squash & Croquet Club and to Kenilworth and Warwickshire as a whole which currently has very few available padel courts.

"Facilities will be available to the public with the ultimate goal of increasing overall members numbers. 

"It will therefore further establish padel as a new sport in the UK as outlined in the Lawn Tennis Association's padel development plan. 

"It is hoped that the provision of this new all-weather sporting facility will improve the health of the general population by encouraging more people into sport and exercise for all ages."

See the full application here.