More padel courts plea amid rising demand
More padel courts plea amid rising demand
Chris Young - Local Democracy Reporting ServiceSun, May 31, 2026 at 8:03 AM UTC
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There are currently five live planning applications to create padel facilities
Almost 50 new padel courts are needed to meet demand in Bradford, a sports club has said.
Woodlands Cricket Club highlighted the growing popularity of the sport as part of its planning application to install courts at its venue.
But Bradford Council refused the scheme, citing concerns over the noise generated by players and how it could affect nearby homes.
There are currently five live planning applications to change the use of buildings in the district to create padel facilities.
Padel, a racket sport that mixes tennis and squash, is often referred to as the fastest growing sport in the world.
At a council planning committee meeting Stephen Drake, speaking on behalf of Woodlands Cricket Club, told councillors there was a huge demand for facilities.
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The panel was told the application had received a letter of support from the Lawn Tennis Association, which said there was a need for more padel courts in Bradford.
Drake said: "There is a need for between 41 and 47 padel courts required in Bradford in terms of players per square metre."
Other applications have been approved in recent weeks, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Last week plans to convert a large empty unit next to Buzz Bingo at the Weaverthorpe Retail Park off Tong Street were approved.
And on Thursday an application was green-lit to convert six units at Inspire Bradford Business Park on Newlands Way from storage and distribution to padel courts.
Bradford Council is also considering:
Plans for four outdoor padel courts at Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club.
An application for two double padel courts and a single court at Castlefields Industrial Estate in Bingley.
Plans to convert a warehouse at Hillam Industrial Estate in Bradford into a padel facility with four full size courts, a single court and a children's court.
An application to expand an existing padel centre at Beckside Mills into a neighbouring vacant unit.
The conversion of an agricultural building at Half Moon Farm in Harden into two indoor padel courts, and two additional canopied padel courts outside.
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