Tipperary County Council has denied planning permission for a proposed indoor padel tennis facility in Cashel Business Park. The decision follows objections citing zoning restrictions for industrial and employment uses. Planners emphasized that the site is unsuitable for leisure developments under the local development plan.
Padel Rock Ltd submitted an application to Tipperary County Council seeking permission to construct an indoor padel tennis facility at Cashel Business Park on the Cahir Road in Cashel. The proposal included revisions to parking arrangements and additional signage to support the development.
Local opposition emerged from County Councillor Liam Browne, who argued that approving the plans would violate the Cashel and Environs Development Plan. "The proposed development constitutes an inappropriate and non-conforming change of use that is not permitted in principle under the zoning objectives," Browne stated in his objection. He highlighted that the area is designated for industrial and employment activities, and a leisure facility like padel tennis would not align with these objectives.
Browne further expressed concerns over traffic safety, noting the facility's potential to draw a diverse group of users, including children, older adults, and people with disabilities, who might arrive by foot or bicycle. In contrast, the business park is intended for industrial traffic, such as delivery and heavy goods vehicles. "An indoor padel tennis facility is a leisure and recreational use and does not fall within the definition of industrial, employment-generating or related commercial development," he added.
Tipperary County Council agreed with these points and refused permission. Planners noted that the original approval for the business park limits units to commercial and industrial purposes only. "The proposal is for a commercial sports facility. Under the land use zoning matrix sports and leisure facilities (commercial and community) are not permitted on this land use zone," they explained. The council described the application as contrary to proper planning and sustainable development in the area.
While the authority supports sports facilities in appropriate locations—such as those near residential areas or town centers—it deemed this site, part of a permitted warehouse development away from such zones, unsuitable under the Tipperary County Development Plan 2022.
Padel, a racket sport resembling tennis, is typically played in doubles on a smaller enclosed court. It combines tennis scoring with squash-like rules.