A planning application has been submitted to Richmond Council for four padel courts to be installed at Rocks Lane Multi Sports Centre in Barnes.

The application, which was submitted by Indigo Blue Works Ltd on behalf of TFC Leisure Ltd, seeks permission to 'erect four padel tennis courts on the site of two existing sports courts.'

Currently, the site has facilities for tennis, football and netball and is very well supported by the local community.

The application says: "Padel tennis is becoming very popular in the UK as it is a typically faster moving game than regular tennis played with a stringless bat (paddle) and slightly softer tennis ball using the walls of the court a little like squash."

A view of the proposal site. (Photo Credit: Planning Application).

"There are no existing padel tennis courts at the Barnes centre, but there are 10 courts at the Chiswick centre which are proving very popular with the local community. 

"They were opened at the beginning of October 2020 and provide casual play, coaching and competition for all."

The applications states that the courts will be constructed from steel posts, reinforced safety glass walls and coated steel mesh.

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They will also utilize the existing flood light provision, so no new lighting is required. 

The Chiswick site. (Photo Credit: Planning application).

The application concludes: "The installation of the proposed courts will increase and diversify the existing facilities and increase sporting participation amongst all of the local population.

"The existing clubhouse facilities and changing rooms are better than able to support the requirements of the proposal.

"The proposal will lead to enhanced facilities being made available to the local community without the loss of any already existing facilities."

Read the full planning application here.