Two North Staffordshire leisure spots are looking to add padel facilities to their offerings.
Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat wants to create four courts for the popular racquet sport at its site near Stone, while the Michelin Athletic Club (MAC) in Trent Vale, is seeking planning permission for two indoor courts and an outdoor one.
Under plans submitted to Stafford Borough Council, the new courts at Moddershall Oaks would occupy an area of currently unused field close to its Made wellness centre. Additional parking would be created for 18 vehicles.
Planning documents describe padel as a “much in demand sport, especially in the Staffordshire area” and state: “Currently there are few organised or accessible facilities for the public to use in the context of the Stafford conurbation.”
It adds the only other local option is at Draycott Sports Centre.
The design and access statement reads: “The application site can be regarded as eminently suitable for the development of a new padel facility. The site is featureless, treeless, within the confines of the wellbeing and spa facility boundary.
“Moreover, the site is adjacent to existing, sport, exercise and recreation facilities which the padel facility will complement as a high-quality sport destination.”
The MAC has applied to Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council for permission to build a sports barn to accommodate two indoor padel courts, an external uncovered padel court, an external storage building and to make changes to its carpark layout.
The Trent Vale club says the proposals will form a “positive extension” to its current facilities which include junior football pitches, a sports hall, gymnasium, squash courts and function/conference facilities.
A statement submitted with the plans reads: “The proposed development at the MAC represents a logical and modest expansion of an established recreational complex, providing high-quality, year-round padel provision in a form that complements the existing buildings and landscape.”
Lee Machin, manager of Michelin Athletic Club added: “Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the world right now, and it’s really exciting that we’re looking to bring this to our facility for our members and the local community.”
Both sets of plans are currently in a consultation period.
