Tin Man Financial Services has submitted plans to build two autonomously operated padel courts at Cayton Playing Fields in Scarborough. The proposal seeks to introduce the fast-growing sport to an area lacking such facilities amid local population growth. If approved, the courts would operate via an online booking app from 7am to 10pm.
The application by Tin Man Financial Services aims to construct two end-to-end outdoor padel tennis courts on a currently disused, derelict, and inaccessible part of Cayton Playing Fields in Cayton, Scarborough. According to the plans, this development would enhance the sporting facilities for the local community by adding padel, described as a fast-growing and inclusive sport that complements existing recreational options at the site.
Padel, which combines elements of tennis and squash, has gained popularity for its social, inclusive, and easy-to-learn nature. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) reports that more than 230,000 people play the sport annually in the UK, making it the fastest-growing racket sport in the country. The proposed courts follow LTA guidance on design, layout, and lighting to ensure high-quality and safe facilities suitable for both casual and competitive play.
If approved, the courts would include energy-efficient LED floodlights mounted on columns up to 6 meters high, with four lights per court. These would only activate during booked sessions and when it is dark, supporting operations from 7am to 10pm. Players would book sessions through an online app, enabling autonomous access.
The applicant highlights the absence of padel courts on the southern side of Scarborough, especially with recent and planned residential developments in Cayton increasing the local population and the need for more recreational facilities. The project would also generate additional revenue for the Cayton Playing Fields Association, which owns and maintains the site.
North Yorkshire Council has not yet set a decision date for the application, which remains open for public representations.
