Hotel wants to replace tennis courts with padel

A hotel in York has lodged plans to replace its existing tennis courts with facilities for padel - amid a growth in popularity of the sport.

The Delta Hotel, run by international hotelier Marriott, said the courts would be open to both guests and the local community.

The plans would see three courts built within the grounds of the hotel, with LED floodlights that could be dimmed at night and a retractable roof.

Padel, which started in the late 1960s in Mexico, is played on small tennis-like courts with a racket and ball and has surged in popularity in the UK recently.

Landscaping features have been planned, including paths and lawns surrounding the site and mature trees which would screen the building from view from some directions.

The courts would be around 140m from the nearest homes, according to the application while seating for spectators would be placed around each court.

Plans submitted to City of York Council stated that padel created no more disturbance than tennis and would be well-managed.

They said: "The project is part of the existing leisure facilities at the hotel and provides a modern, inclusive leisure facility."

The sport is mainly played in a doubles format and the smaller court and stringless rackets make it easier for all ages and abilities to pick up.

The application is now under consideration.

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