A HEALTH club has applied to keep two padel tennis courts as it aims to stay at the forefront of a ‘tennis revolution’.

David Lloyd Clubs have asked for retrospective planning permission for the courts at its site in Cabot Lane, Poole.

The club replaced a traditional outdoor tennis court with the padel courts and added a ‘padel social space’.

A planning statement submitted by Lichfields on behalf of the applicant said the club didn’t believe planning permission was needed, when the courts were built.

It said: “David Lloyd Leisure Limited did not initially apply for planning permission, as the development is sited on an existing tennis court, with padel being a short form of tennis.

“We have spoken with David Lloyd and agreed that a retrospective application is, however, required.”

The statement said building the courts was in response to members’ needs, and they would ‘provide significant enhancements’ to the club.

It added the tennis court the two padel courts replaced was ‘underused’ and that it was anticipated the padel courts would get more use among members.

The courts would also provide new, high-quality facilities to ‘meet the needs of the population’.

A design and access statement submitted by Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson Limited described the sport and the need for the new courts.

“Padel is one of the fastest growing sports across continental Europe, with over six million people currently playing in Spain alone,” the statement said. “As of November 2020, there are around 6,000 active padel players across Britain. There are also currently 107 padel courts at 52 clubs – a number that is set to grow substantially over the coming years.

“David Lloyd are at the forefront of this tennis revolution in the UK and are now proposing all of their new clubs to be provided with premium padel facilities.”

The courts ‘stay true to the sport’s origins’ in their design and are floodlit.

As reported, the club has also lodged plans to build a spa garden at the centre.

Neighbour comments on the plans are welcome until May 26. There is no set date at this stage for a decision on the application.