A padel court which recently opened in Tilney All Saints is asking for permission to expand.
NB Construction is asking West Norfolk council planners if it can upgrade the existing padel facilities with a new building housing three new courts, a café with a kitchen and reception area, changing rooms and a new car park.
The new business opened in July following the conversion of a former industrial building in the village. Demand for the courts has been high.
Now, owners Tilney Padel, run by Nick Barker and his children, Jack and Jess, want to expand the venue, which currently has one court and coffee and snack area.
Jess said: “It’s the fastest-growing sport in the world and hopefully soon to be included as an Olympic sport. It’s just so popular.
“At the moment we have one court and it is booked up in the evenings for the next two weeks. The demand is definitely there for this game.
“People love it because you can play whatever your age or ability – it’s addictive. People prefer it to tennis because the ball always stays in the court, so you don’t have to go chasing after it all the time. It’s a brilliant game.”
She said plans included adding a cafe and a shop selling padel equipment.
If the plans are approved, redundant structures on the site will be demolished to make room for the extension and a new gravel-surfaced car park.
The planning application says the extension will not increase the floor area of the existing padel court building.
A planning statement said: “The applicant has identified strong local demand for additional court capacity following the success of the existing single court at West Field House, with consistent oversubscription at peak times.”
Images: tilneypadel.com
