Fife Council has approved plans for three indoor padel courts at Cluny Activities, a multi-sport centre in Fife, with hopes of a summer opening. The development replaces an outdoor play area and aims to expand year-round facilities for the growing sport. No objections were raised during the planning process.
Plans to build three indoor padel courts at Cluny Activities in Fife have received approval from local planners, marking another step in the site's evolution as a multi-sport hub. The new facility will feature a steel-framed structure adjacent to the main clubhouse, equipped with glass-walled courts and green cladding to integrate with the surrounding trees. This addition replaces the existing outdoor play area and provides year-round access to padel, a sport currently limited to just two courts across Fife.
Cluny Activities, originally opened in 1987 as a clay pigeon shooting ground, has grown under the Shedden family into a destination offering golf, archery, and various outdoor pursuits. The padel courts represent the latest modernization effort. Catherine Shedden, the general manager, expressed enthusiasm: "We’ve been delighted with the response since the plans were approved, it’s been great to see so much interest already. We’re still at the early stages of the project and are currently working through the next steps with engineers and contractors etc. As with any project there can be a few challenges along the way, but all going well we are hopeful of having the padel courts open by this summer."
Environmental assessments found no major issues, though four trees will be removed, requiring the planting of twelve new ones and additional biodiversity enhancements as planning conditions. The proposal faced no opposition from residents or consulted organizations. Padel, one of the UK's fastest-growing sports, is typically played in doubles and is praised for its accessibility and social nature. Council planners endorsed the project, noting it will broaden Cluny's offerings and draw more visitors to the site.