A potato farm in Buxton, Norfolk, is seeking permission to convert a disused warehouse into padel tennis courts and a cafe. The proposal aims to tap into the sport's rising popularity in the UK. Manager Tim Briscoe has submitted the application to Broadland Council.
Dudwick Farm, located off Cawston Road in Buxton and home to the Buxton Potato Company, could soon host facilities for padel, a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. The farm's manager, Tim Briscoe, has applied to Broadland Council for planning permission to repurpose a redundant warehouse, previously used as a potato store for about 20 years, into three padel courts and associated amenities.
The conversion would involve minimal structural changes to the building. Plans include adding two-storey extensions on two sides for changing rooms equipped with showers and toilets. The upper level would feature a viewing platform and areas suitable for activities like yoga, tai chi, or calisthenics, as well as spaces for social events. A self-service cafe is also proposed, designed as a social hub overlooking the surrounding farmland.
According to the application documents, padel is undergoing rapid expansion in the UK, with more than 1,000 courts expected by mid-2025. "The sport is seen as a lasting trend, not a fad," the documents state. Originating in Mexico, padel is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court using solid rackets without strings.
If approved, the courts would operate daily from 6am to 10pm, with 20 parking spaces provided for visitors, including a reception area. This initiative follows the opening of Norfolk's first dedicated padel club, Blazing Padels, late last year, signaling growing interest in the sport regionally.