Conversion of tennis courts to padel centre backed

Planners have backed proposals to convert outdoor tennis and netball courts at a public park in the Manx capital to a padel centre.

Under the proposal, the existing courts in Noble's Park would be converted into six padel tennis courts along with seating, office space and a kiosk for equipment rental.

The planning application said the project would "promote physical activity, enhance social interaction, and contribute to the overall wellbeing of the island's residents".

Chairman of the planning committee Rob Callister said he thought it was a "great initiative" and was "something new and fresh".

The planning officer who recommended approval said the repurposing of the site would provide the community "a new offering that is very much in demand replacing the underutilised existing tennis and netball courts".

The proposal was considered to represent "an overall community gain from the development", the officer added.

The facilities, which developers aim to have operational by October, would be open from 06:00 until 22:00 BST daily.

But Callister questioned whether the opening time should be pushed back by an hour due to the potential noise impacts on nearby residents.

And fellow committee members Adele Bettridge and Sam Skelton questioned how the facilities would be kept secure.

However, Matthew Warren said it was "really positive to get people active" and was "exciting".

Applicant Sam Patmore said he had been looking for a site for two years, and 06:00 was considered a prime time for the sport.

He said there were already CCTV cameras on the site, which would be used, and the courts would be locked when not in use.

Padel tennis is a racket sport typically played in pairs in an enclosed court.

Speaking after the committee backed the plans, Mr Patmore said he hoped the facilities would "create social hubs" and would "promote sport" within the community.

He said padel tennis was an "accessible" sport that could be played by people of all ages, adding: "if you can play swing ball you can play padel."

Facilities would be made available through an online booking system, with coaching, leagues and development programmes offered.

The plans would also see a small kiosk for the hiring of equipment and covered seating.

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