Plans submitted for new padel court in Lincoln

More Lincoln residents will be able to engage in a sport that’s exploding in popularity under new plans.

Padel tennis is a cross between tennis and squash, played with a racket in an enclosed sport, and has become a favourite with professional footballers.

Plans have been submitted to convert an industrial unit on Whisby Road in North Hykeham into an indoor year-round facility.

There are estimated to be 130,000 padel tennis players in the UK – up from just 6,000 in 2019.

The application says it will meet the need for these facilities in Lincoln, with only two others close to the city.

“Padel tennis is said to be the fastest growing sport in the world with a rapidly rising number of courts being provided to meet demand,” the planning documents say.

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“Despite this rapid growth, the infrastructure has struggled to keep pace; as of January 2024 the UK only had 489 courts.

“In contrast Spain boasts 16,000 courts which underscores the UK’s potential for expansion to meet demand.

“The sport is mainly played in the doubles format and encourages groups of mixed ages and abilities to play together.

“The sport can be played with very little equipment and is therefore accessible to a lot of people.

“Playing padel provides many benefits including improved cardiovascular health, muscle tone and mental wellbeing, and it is also a very social sport.”

The application will create one 20 metre by 10 metre court, with changing and ball retrieval facilities.

Padel tennis is regarded as less skill-intensive than traditional tennis, with players able to use the wall for longer rallies.

The application has been submitted through Lincs Design Consultancy, and are available to view on North Kesteven District Council’s website.