Plans to build padel tennis facility in Crawley Down submitted to council
Plans to build a padel tennis facility in Turners Hill Road, Crawley Down have been submitted to Mid Sussex District Council.
The application from Netside Padel seeks permission to build on land next to the Barns Court commercial and leisure business park. If approved, the facility will contain three padel courts and a café, as well as changing rooms and WCs.
A statement submitted with the application said: “The development would provide a new recreational facility within the established Barns Court commercial and leisure complex, supporting local employment, economic activity, health and well-being.
“The proposal would also enable the continued evolution of the wider estate, alongside its existing and permitted commercial development.
“Although the site lies outside the settlement boundary, the proposal represents an appropriate leisure use in this context. The design responds to the character of the wider estate through its scale, materials, canopy and landscaping, while retaining and protecting existing trees.”
Outline permission was given in 2022 to expand Barns Court with 7,310 square metres of new commercial space. The Turvey Corporation – landlord of the site – felt the padel proposal would align well with the character of the complex and would not represent a loss of employment space.
A letter of support submitted to the council said: “A padel facility would be complementary to these existing leisure uses, encouraging more people to visit the site, appreciate the surroundings, and participate in healthy activity.
“A padel business will also generate local employment, including contractors during construction – our glass manufacture on site has indicated a readiness to quote to make the court walls – staff to run the reception, coaching staff for private and group lessons, cleaners, and other operational roles.”
To view the application, log on to pa.midsussex.gov.uk and search for DM/26/2698.