Plans submitted for Wellington's first indoor padel venue

This Somerset warehouse could be in for a new lease of life as a padel tennis facility <i>(Image: Google Maps)</i>
This Somerset warehouse could be in for a new lease of life as a padel tennis facility (Image: Google Maps)
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An industrial warehouse in Somerset could benefit from one the UK's fastest growing fitness trends with planning applications submitted for a full transformation of the space.

Plans have been submitted to create Wellington's first indoor padel tennis venue in a warehouse on the Poole Works Trading Estate.

The proposal would see around 1,500 square metres of surplus space at the site, located off the A38 near Junction 26 of the M5, converted into an indoor sports facility featuring four courts.

If approved, the development would include three doubles courts and one singles court, along with changing facilities, toilets and seating areas for players.

The application comes as padel, a fast-paced racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, continued to grow in popularity in Somerset and beyond.

The Wellington site isn't the only new court up for grabs for padel lovers - plans have also been submitted for new courts in south Somerset near Yeovil, while Smash Padel Taunton officially opened its doors earlier this month.

Support for the proposal has also come from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), which says Wellington has been identified as a priority location for new padel facilities.

In a letter backing the scheme, the governing body said: "There are currently no padel facilities directly serving the town of Wellington and surrounding village catchment so the addition of indoor courts in Wellington would offer residents the opportunity to engage in padel without the need to travel to further afield."

Planning documents note that the nearest recognised padel facilities are in the Taunton area, with the closest indoor venue more than seven miles from Wellington.

Padel scheme would bring unneeded warehouse space back into use, developers say

The Poole Works Trading Estate scheme would make use of part of an existing industrial building currently used for home furnishings storage and distribution.

The site's current occupier is downsizing its operations, with planning documents stating that more than 1,500 square metres of floorspace is no longer needed.

Most of the building would remain in storage use, while the unused section would be repurposed for sport and recreation.

As part of the plans, 31 parking spaces, including two accessible bays, would be allocated to the venue as well as covered cycle parking.

Only small external changes are proposed in the planning application, with the building's appearance largely remaining the same.

Applicants say the project would create a number of jobs, including management, cleaning, maintenance and coaching roles, while providing a new recreational facility for local residents.

Local residents and interested parties can view the planning application on the council website viewing the reference 46/26/0022. Public comments can be submitted until October 9.

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