A Worcester golf club have submitted plans for new outdoor padel courts.
Ravenmeadow Golf Centre in Claines have sent proposals for three courts, two of which would be covered by a canopy, along with outdoor seating and landscaping improvements.
Padel is a fast-growing racket sport that combines elements of tennis, squash and badminton played on an enclosed court where the walls can be used as part of the game.
The scheme aims to expand the centre’s sporting offering and promote broader community access to recreational facilities and will be considered by Worcester City Council.
Ravenmeadow Golf Centre already has facilities such as an 18-hole golf course, driving range and an adventure golf course (Image: Worcester City Council)
In a planning statement, the club’s owner James Leaver said: “The aim of the club is to nurture and promote sporting activity to all areas of the community irrespective of age or skill level.
“Padel tennis is growing in popularity across the UK. The popularity of the sport lies in its fast-paced nature and the social aspect of doubles play.”
The courts would be located on existing scrubland, adjacent to the adventure golf course (Image: Worcester City Council)
The proposed courts would be located on existing scrubland, partly on space that is currently occupied by the driving range area, adjacent to the adventure golf course.
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The site is already an established sporting facility featuring an 18-hole golf course, a pitch and putt course, a footgolf area, a driving range and adventure golf.
A view of what the plans would look like from Droitwich Road (Image: Worcester City Council)
The location of the development is on designated green belt land, which the application addresses.
The statement continues: “The proposed development will not conflict with the purposes of including land in the green belt.
“The courts and the structure covering two of the courts will be located in an existing cluster of development that includes the club house, the adventure golf area, and, the golf driving range.”
The application notes a shortage of padel facilities in the Worcester area, with only one other club offering courts on the opposite side of the city in St John’s.
The public consultation period closes on November 3, after which planning officers will make a recommendation before a decision is made by Worcester City Council.
