A DERELICT area of land at a Colchester retail park could be transformed for a unique sport which is growing in popularity across the world

A planning application has been submitted to Colchester Council for the construction of two padel tennis courts and two pickleball courts.

Land west of Jungle Adventure, in Peartree Retail Park, in Stanway, which is currently vacant and overgrown could be transformed into four courts with an overhead canopy over the entire site.

The plans look to incorporate the existing nine parking spaces and create spaces for eight bikes.

Gazette: Derelict- proposed site for the padel and pickleball courts in StanwayDerelict- proposed site for the padel and pickleball courts in Stanway (Image: Google)

The owner looks to allow access to the courts through a website and app to allow players to book court time and receive a code to access the court by a controlled entry gate.

If plans are approved, the site is proposed to be open from 6am to 10pm on Monday to Saturday and from 8am to 8pm on Sunday and bank holidays.

Padel and pickleball are "two of the fastest-growing sports in the world", according to the Lawn Tennis Association.

The plans are the second in recent weeks looking to bring padel tennis to Colchester. 

Within the application, a spokesman for the plans said: “This proposal is linked to the significant growth of padel and pickleball across the country and will benefit the local community and borough as a whole including all age groups through a greater provision of high-quality recreational activity/sport provision.

Gazette: Proposal- site next to Jungle Adventure in StanwayProposal- site next to Jungle Adventure in Stanway (Image: Google)

“An added benefit is that it is able to be achieved through existing use of the currently derelict site.

“The Lawn Tennis Association's vision ‘Tennis Opened Up’ is about increasing accessibility to tennis.

“One of the LTA's key methods is to find new ways to grow participation. Padel and pickleball are considered innovative formats of tennis that are fun, flexible, easy to play and extremely sociable.

“In a demand context, Padel is one of the fastest growing sports across continental Europe and has gained increasing popularity over recent years, with over six million people currently playing in Spain alone.”

Colchester Council will have the final say.