New padel court site approved for Killingworth youth club
North Tyneside councillors unanimously approved proposals for a new padel court at Killingworth Young Peoples Club, despite the plans splitting public opinion.
North Tyneside Council’s planning committee gathered last night and passed an application for a “bespoke padel club building” within the grounds of the club’s car park.
According to documents submitted to the local authority, the new court will take up around 1,445sqm and operate between the hours of 8am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday.
Padel is a racket sport, played usually in doubles on an enclosed court, where the ball can be bounced off glass or metal mesh walls.
A design and access statement, commissioned by the applicant Cre8c Ltd, stated: “The presented proposals demonstrate that the introduction of the new panel facility will enhance the sport provision for users of all ages.”
The plans, however, proved controversial amassing a total of 107 comments on the council’s online planning portal, split between 47 objections and 56 in favour. Registered objections ranged from alleged “on-going disturbance” from the current football club activities and the potential impact of the loss of car parking spaces, potentially increasing congestion.
Supporters submitted a raise for the potential facilities impact on local health and the possibility of future or further investment to the area.
Summing up, councillor for Howdon and planning committee member, Matthew Thirlaway said: “I think from what we have seen from the images I cannot imagine this is a well used car park. I imagine it is only used on match days. I think a facility like this is to the benefit of the community.”
Words: Austen Shakespeare
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