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30
Jan
Decision made on new padel courts in Harrogate
Councillors have approved plans to create two new padel courts at Harrogate Sport and Fitness Centre.
The padel courts, which will be covered, will be built next to trees alongside Hookstone Woods, which is a local nature reserve.
The plan will also see a grassed area to the west of the existing car park used to form event parking for up to 80 days of the year.
The scheme, which was resubmitted after previous plans were withdrawn, received 66 letters of support and 29 objections during consultation.
Natasha Haslett, who was speaking on behalf of residents on Hookstone Wood Road, told councillors at a meeting that protection of the local woodland had been “overlooked” in the proposals.
Meanwhile, Cllr Andrew Timothy, who represents Stray, Woodlands & Hookstone on the council, said he had concerns over biodiversity and the location of a scout hut on the application site.
He added that he did not feel the current route for construction traffic would be appropriate. He said:
I also note that the Hookstone Wood Road is in a very poor condition and in its current state I do not believe it is an appropriate access route for construction traffic.
Chris Creighton, planning agent speaking on behalf of the developer, said the proposal was designed to help meet demand for padel tennis.
He added that the location for the courts were chosen in order to reduce the impact on local woodland.
Mr Creighton said:
The current padel courts are heavily used with members often unable to book a game. This proposal is to create two additional fully covered padel courts at the club which can be used in all weathers.
The fact that they are covered helps to reduce any potential noise and meets growing demand for the sport. In deciding where to site these new courts, the club has proposed to place them in a location with the least potential impact on the adjacent woodland and the wider landscape as well as been as far away as possible from houses and Hookstone Wood Road.
Councillors on North Yorkshire Council's Harrogate and Knaresborough planning committee voted unanimously to approve the plans at a meeting on Tuesday.
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