The padel craze which is sweeping Lancashire looks set to reach Astley village.
Plans have been submitted which would see three outdoor courts installed at Brookfields Community Ground, the home of Astley & Buckshaw United FC.
Under plans lodged with Chorley Council, the courts are to be built on land used for storage and will be installed with floodlights to allow use from 8am-9pm.
Read more: New upgrades at Westway Sports Hub to bring 700m track and extra parking
Padel is one of the fastest growing sports and a wave of new venues have either recently opened or are being planned across the country, including several in and around Preston. Combining elements of tennis and squash, it is played inside a glass cage and designed to be enjoyed by beginners and experienced players alike.
A report submitted as part of the application describes it as a meaningful enhancement to local sports provision which will introduce a ‘modern, inclusive activity that strengthens Brookfields’ role as a key recreational hub for Astley Village and the wider Chorley area’.
It adds: “The introduction of three new padel courts will modernise and diversify the site’s offer, supporting increased participation, year-round activity, and the continued development of Brookfields as a premier community sports hub.
“The proposed courts are located entirely on an existing area of compacted gravel hardstanding situated adjacent to the sports pavilion. This area is currently used for informal storage and has no functional value as a playing surface.
“Because this land cannot function as a natural grass pitch, the proposal represents a strategic intensification of use on existing brownfield sports land rather than a loss of active playing field area.”
While padel has become increasingly popular, it is also more expensive to play than many similar sports and it is hoped that this venue will operate at lower cost.
The report adds: “Provision across Central Lancashire is expanding, with new facilities emerging in the region, including a recently opened indoor venue in Chorley. However, local access remains limited, particularly for affordable, community-based outdoor play.
“The introduction of three outdoor courts at Brookfields will complement existing provision by offering a different format, price point, and setting, helping to meet growing demand without duplicating or competing with commercial indoor centre.”
