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11
Aug
Harrogate leisure centre seeks retrospective approval for padel courts
A well-known leisure centre in Harrogate has submitted retrospective plans for two padel courts.
David Lloyd Harrogate, on Oakdale Place, is seeking approval for the two courts, which were built in 2023.
In plans published by North Yorkshire Council on August 7, the company said it did not initially apply for planning permission as the padel courts were developed by converting an existing tennis court.
A padel court is around 25% smaller than a tennis court, according to the Lawn Tennis Association.
The application adds:
Planning officers at the council have confirmed that the siting of the tennis courts in this location has a historic use, and the material change of use would not be required in this regard. However, the physical alterations required in the form of new walls of the courts would require planning permission. This approach has been agreed with the council's planning officers.
A pillar-style structure has been formed around the two courts; glass panels have been installed at each end of the court, with an additional metre of anti-injury mesh panelling above the glass, and more anti-injury mesh panels have been erected on both sides of each court.
Artificial grass has been used as the surface for the padel courts.
According to planning documents, each court also features four 240-watt LED projectors, which "evenly light" the courts.
The chosen lights use less energy compared to traditional lights, plans say, adding they have a longer lifespan and are more eco-efficient.
An example of a traditional padel court, uploaded in support of the plans.
In addition, David Lloyd also seeks approval for a "padel social space" by the padel courts, which is made up of a seating area, planters and a storage unit.
The proposal says the courts were created “in response to members’ needs” and the demand for padel facilities at the Harrogate site.
Padel has boomed in popularity over the years, and the Harrogate district is certainly not short of courts.
According to the Lawn Tennis Association, the national governing body for padel, there are now 1,000 padel courts across 350 venues in the UK – jumping from just 68 in 2019.
The padel courts diversify and enhance the club’s offerings, David Lloyd says in its plans, adding the courts also "facilitate the projected increase in members" at the site.
Plans add the padel courts have been built to be "sympathetic to that of the existing buildings".
The Stray Ferret approached David Lloyd for comment. We asked how long the padel courts have been in use and how members’ have responded to them, as well as the club’s plans if the application was refused.
A spokesperson said:
At David Lloyd Clubs we are committed to making a positive contribution in the communities and environment in which we operate. We work collaboratively with councils to ensure that our plans support the needs of our local communities as well as our members.
We opened our padel courts in December 2023 and they have proved to be very popular with members. However, out of courtesy to our neighbours, we have restricted the use of our padel courts and Battle Box station from 10am to 5pm while we continue our conversations with the North Yorkshire Council.
Second application
The company has also lodged separate retrospective plans for its on-site Battle Box facility.
Battle Box is an outdoor fitness class adopted by David Lloyd Clubs.
Like the padel courts, the Battle Box area is already in place at the Harrogate site.
An example of a Battle Box in use, uploaded in support of David Lloyd's plans.
A branded shipping container, which acts as the base of the class, contains battle ropes, climbing obstacles and other equipment used during the classes.
Plans say there is a small, artificial turf at the front of the container, and the whole Battle Box facility at Harrogate’s David Lloyd is surrounded by a 1.1-metre-high fence with a gate.
The council will issue verdicts on both applications at a later date.
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