COUNCILLORS have granted planning permission for a new padel tennis facility in Lichfield.
The scheme will see three floodlit courts built in Beacon Park, along with a facilities building, floodlighting and fencing.
It is the second time the scheme had been submitted to Lichfield District Council after the original proposals saw opposition from local residents due to the location.
But an alternative site near the Greenhough Road car park has now been approved, despite it meaning the loss of the ninth hole on the Beacon Park golf course.
Members of the planning committee gave the scheme their backing, with Cllr Michael Galvin, Summerfield and All Saints ward representative, said:
“Twelve months ago I hadn’t heard of padel tennis, but having spoken to people and read up about it, I think this is something we should accept.
“It’s something that will get a great deal of use. It benefits the people of Lichfield and will be an asset to the park.”
Questions were raised about the building alongside the courts, however, with Cllr Jamie Checkland, Leomansley representative, questioning whether a waiting area and toilets would be sufficient.
He said:
“If you play in the rain or get very sweaty or you’re going to work after then you will want to change – to not have cubicles is a lack of foresight.”
But a council officer said the scale of the building had to be considered.
“A balance has been struck – the addition of cubicles would mean a larger building in the green belt.”
