PROPOSALS to create three Padel Courts on a car park near Warrington town centre have been rejected by town planners.
The proposed padel court building, clubhouse & associated parking had been submitted by James Osborne (The Padel Yards Northwest Ltd) on the Old Road Car Park, Warrington, last used as a drive-through Chinese takeaway.
The Padel Yards (Northwest) Ltd proposal for three Padel Courts on the existing car park at Old Road.
Padel is an up-and-coming sport that has exploded on the scene in the past couple of years, involving a mix between tennis and squash, which was invented in Mexico in 1969. It is usually played in doubles on an enclosed court surrounded by walls of glass and metallic mesh. The court is one-third the size of a tennis court.
A neighbour objection had been received relating to highway safety with regard to an increased number of vehicles using Old Road. A further objection was received from Ward Cllr Denis Matthews with concerns over the loss of the parking spaces to accommodate the proposed new use.
Refusing the application under delegated powers, Warrington Borough Council planners said there was insufficient information supporting the application to demonstrate that the proposed development would not be prejudicial to the satisfactory functioning of the highway network or that a safe layout can be accommodated within the site area.
In addition, the proposed development would physically obstruct access corridors required to ensure continuing inspection and maintenance of critical transport infrastructure.
