Soul Padel has submitted a planning application to Flintshire Council for six outdoor padel courts and a clubhouse at Deeside Leisure Centre. The facilities would repurpose a disused tennis court area, aiming to boost local sports access. The proposal highlights padel's growing popularity in the UK as a social and inclusive racket sport.
Deeside Leisure Centre, located in Flintshire, Wales, could soon host new padel facilities following a planning application from Soul Padel. The proposal involves constructing six outdoor courts on the site of an unused tennis court, adjacent to all-weather football pitches. Five courts would align side-by-side along the northeastern edge, each protected by a rain canopy, while the sixth would sit uncovered in the southeastern corner.
Each court measures 20.2 meters by 10.2 meters, enclosed by wire mesh fencing and tempered glass panels rising to 3 meters on the sides and 4 meters at the ends. Integrated lighting columns would support evening play. Complementing the courts, a clubhouse would occupy two modified shipping containers near the main southern entrance. This structure would feature a reception desk, changing rooms, accessible toilets, a coffee bar with seating, and storage space. An outdoor seating area under a pergola would extend the facilities.
Padel, which combines elements of tennis and squash, is played in doubles on a 10-meter by 20-meter enclosed court—slightly smaller than a tennis doubles court. Originating in Mexico and thriving in Spain and other European countries, the sport has surged in the UK due to its social appeal and suitability for all ages and skill levels.
A planning statement accompanying the application emphasizes the project's benefits: "Overall, the proposed development represents a positive and beneficial use of underutilised land, delivering modern, accessible and much-needed sports facilities for the local community, to be delivered by a padel operator with a proven track record. It will make a valuable contribution to the health and wellbeing of residents and workers within the area, while enhancing the recreational offer of Deeside and more widely."
Flintshire Council will review the application, with a decision expected at a later date.