Green light for more padel courts as Sheffield stadium site plan approved
Sheffield is set for more padel courts, after officials gave the go-ahead to plans for the sport at the Olympic Legacy Park.
Sheffield Council has agreed to grant planning permission for the scheme, which will see three courts put in place on land next to the Steel City Stadium - home to the Sheffield Eagles rugby league club and the Sheffield Giants American football team.
Scarborough Group International is the organisation behind the scheme, and has previously said it wants to have the new courts open this summer.
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in Europe, combining tennis and squash to create a fast-paced, sociable and highly accessible game for all ages and abilities.
Scott McCabe, director at SGI, said earlier this year: “Padel is a sport that is growing at remarkable pace across the UK. If consent is granted, we stand ready to deliver these courts quickly and bring a much-needed new opportunity for participation, wellbeing and community connection to the Park.”
Agreeing planning permission, the council has told SGI they must check for any wildlife habitats, and any possible ground contamination before they start.
The council said in a report on the plans: “The drawings and artistic impressions submitted with the application propose a building of a scale and massing which fit comfortably within the surrounding area, appearing to be of high quality design.”
They added: “The development is acceptable in terms of its design, scale, and siting and will not adversely impact on the appearance of the site or the wider street scene, subject to conditions relations to materials and finishes, nor create any residential amenity or highway safety issues.”
The opening hours for the plans are proposed to be 6am until 11pm daily.