A commercial property in Hereford, previously slated for a gymnastics centre, may instead become home to four padel courts. Warwick-based Deol Leisure, operating as Padel + Play, has submitted a planning application to convert the site. The proposal highlights the growing popularity of padel in the area.
The application, numbered 260304, targets the single-storey former kitchen showroom at 4 Harrow Road, off Plough Lane. Herefordshire Council approved a change of use for this vacant building to a gymnastics centre last October. However, the prior decision incorrectly classified the use as F2(c), which covers outdoor sports, necessitating a new application for the indoor padel courts.
Deol Leisure argues that the uses are similar enough for council support. The company notes the rapid growth in padel participation across all ages and a strong demand for facilities in Hereford. As specialists in padel setups, they position themselves to meet this need. The building provides sufficient space, including changing rooms and 20 parking spots, in a central spot accessible by bike or foot, with no nearby residences.
Padel, a doubles sport blending tennis and squash, uses solid perforated racquets on a walled court. It originated in the Spanish-speaking world and gained traction during the 2020-21 pandemic. In the UK, nearly 900 planning applications for new courts were filed last year, with 59 refusals and 51 withdrawals. Proposals also feature in expansions at London's All-England Club in Wimbledon.
The proposed centre would operate from 7am to 11pm daily. Public comments on the application are accepted until March 17. The original gymnastics applicant, Hereford Gymnastics Academy, remains at a nearby Faraday Road location.