A planning application has been lodged by Stevenage FC to construct four padel courts at its Broadhall Way facility in Stevenage. The proposal aims to expand community sports options amid padel's rising popularity in the UK. The courts would feature semi-transparent canopies and operate with extended hours.
Stevenage FC has submitted a planning application to develop four padel courts at the Valley Sports Football Academy on Broadhall Way. According to the application, the courts are intended to serve the wider community and capitalize on padel's status as one of the UK's fastest-growing racket sports.
The proposal includes semi-transparent canopies over the courts, positioned between an artificial football pitch and recent modular buildings that house changing rooms and a reception café. To mitigate visual impact, trees would be planted as a screening measure. The site has already undergone enhancements, including two new modular structures and expanded parking facilities that are currently being implemented.
"The proposal seeks to provide four tennis padel courts with semi-transparent canopies over, for use by the wider community," the application states. It further explains, "Padel is currently one of the fastest-growing racket sport in the UK and it is the intentions of Stevenage FC to introduce these courts at the Valley Ground in order to better serve the community by expanding the sports facilities it has on offer."
If approved, the courts would be accessible from 8am to 11pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and from 8am to 10pm on Sundays. Interested parties can review the full plans by visiting the Stevenage Borough Council's online portal at publicaccess.stevenage.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do and searching for reference 26/00148/FP.
This initiative reflects ongoing efforts to broaden sporting amenities at the venue, building on recent infrastructure improvements.
