A sports centre in Barnes has submitted a planning application for three new padel courts.

Rocks Lane Padel, part of the Rocks Lane Multi Sports Centre, proposes to add three new courts to its existing line-up of four.

Due to a "deteriorated" and "underutilised" artificial grass pitch, Rocks Lane Padel wants to repurpose the area to accommodate the new courts.

In addition, due to high demand for its existing courts, which Rocks Lane says are "fully booked", the proposals would allow the sports centre to "expand its padel programme."

An artist impression of the proposed new padel courts on the left (credit: Planning application).

Rocks Lane Padel stated in its design and access statement: "The proposal seeks to repurpose this space by installing three new padel courts, thereby rejuvenating an obsolete area and aligning with the overall aim of improving and modernising the site's sporting offer."

The sports centre added: "The proposals will make a positive contribution to the local area in a number of ways by providing additional sporting facilities over and above those existing and encouraging more members of the local community to play sport, thus improving the physical and mental wellbeing of the local community."

The company also operates two other sports facilities in London, at Bishop's Park, Fulham and in Chiswick.

Padel tennis is growing in popularity across the UK, with over 1,000 courts now available nationwide.

Rocks Lane Padel say it has had a growing demand for the sport since adding four courts in 2024 (credit: Planning application).

It is typically a faster-paced game than traditional tennis, played with a stringless bat (paddle) and a slightly softer tennis ball.

The game also incorporates the use of the walls surrounding the court, similar to squash.

With lower barriers to entry in terms of physical ability, padel attracts a broader range of players from across the population.

To read the full application, click here.

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