Netball courts at the University of Warwick could soon be replaced with a new padel set up, if plans are signed off by Warwick District Council.

The university has applied for planning permission for the works at its sports and wellness hub.

If approved, the move will see three netball courts replaced with six new padel courts.

In its application the university said: "The introduction of this proposal will expand and enhance the facilities already available on campus and for the wider local community, by providing an alternative sporting activity, thus encouraging a wider range of participants.

"The proposed facility is designed to be utilized for both recreational use and competitive matches.

"The inclusion of an appropriate carpet system ensures that the proposed surface is compliant for match use.

"The new facility is to be located on the existing asphalt netball courts area to the south of the Sports and Wellness Hub.

"The remaining pitches to the west will be retained in their current format."

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The courts would be available for use until 10pm every day of the week except for Saturdays, in line with the current opening times at the sports centre.

The courts would also have a canopy and lighting to allow use at night and in all weathers.

Netball bookings would be moved to the existing lakeside courts to the north west of the site.

Justifying the loss of the courts, the university said: "The current demand for netball comes directly from our student community here at Warwick with an immaterial level other demand from local clubs.

"Over the last 12 months we have not received a booking from local clubs.

"The courts are designed to the specific specification of Netball, thus not allowing them to be used for multi-use facilities.

"There is currently 16 hours per week of sports club training and fixtures spread across all three courts and a further four hours a week of recreational student netball."

Click here to see the application in full.

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