A DRIVING range and mini golf course could soon be offering padel tennis to its customers.
A planning application has been submitted to Cheshire East Council to create three padel tennis courts on The Beeches Golf site off Chelford Road in Ollerton, near Knutsford.
Becoming increasing popular across the UK, padel - a cross between tennis and squash - is played on an enclosed court about a third the size of a standard tennis court.
A design and access statement, prepared by Emery Planning on behalf of the applicants, says: "This application seeks full planning permission for the construction of three padel tennis courts on land to the east of the existing golf driving range.
"The proposed courts would be surrounded by glass screens. Each court would have four lighting columns to allow the courts to be used in the evenings during the winter months.
"Additional landscaping is proposed which would provide screening from Chelford Road and neighbouring properties.
"No alterations are proposed to the car parking arrangements. There is sufficient space to serve both the existing and proposed activities. No trees or hedges would be lost as a result of the proposals.
"The proposal is of an appropriate scale, design and location which would not result in any harm to the character, appearance, or openness of the Green Belt."
According to the application, the opening hours of the courts would be 12pm to 8pm on Mondays, 9am to 9pm Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 8pm on Saturdays, and 9am to 7pm on Sundays.
These correspond with the existing opening hours of the driving range.
As part of the additional landscaping, an earth mound with trees is proposed to be created between the courts and the closest residential property.
The proposed lighting of the courts would also be directed downward, with little overspill, to ensure there would be no lighting would in the direction of neighbouring properties.
To view the plans in more detail or make a comment, search for reference 24/1260M on the council's online planning portal.
The final date for submitting comments is May 1 with the council targeting May 28 as a decision date.
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