NEWS: Plans for a new padel tennis facility in Tipperary blocked by council

Plans for a new padel tennis facility in Tipperary have been blocked by the local authority, halting hopes for the sport’s expansion in the area.

Padel Rock Ltd applied to Tipperary County Council for permission to build a padel facility at Cashel Business Park on Cahir Road.

The proposal also called for revamped parking arrangements and additional signage to support the new facility.

Councillor Liam Browne objected, stating that approval would conflict with the council’s development plan.

"The proposed development constitutes an inappropriate and non-conforming change of use that is not permitted in principle under the zoning objectives of the Cashel and Environs Development Plan,” Cllr Browne said.

He emphasised that the site was intended for factories and businesses, arguing that a padel facility would be out of place in this setting.

"An indoor padel tennis facility is a leisure and recreational use and does not fall within the definition of industrial, employment-generating or related commercial development,” he argued.

"The development plan is clear that non-conforming uses should not be permitted where they would conflict with the zoning objective or undermine the strategic function of the area,” the objection added.

READ ALSO: NEWS: Councillor calls for revival and reuse of the old Tipperary workhouse

The prospect of the new facility also sparked concerns about increased traffic and potential safety risks.

"An indoor padel tennis facility is a leisure use that attracts a broad demographic, including children, older persons and persons with disabilities. Many users would also be pedestrians or cyclists.

“In contrast, Cashel Business Park is designed to accommodate industrial and commercial traffic, including delivery vehicles, commercial vehicles, and potentially heavy goods vehicles,” Cllr Browne said.

Tipperary County Council concurred. Tipperary County Council agreed with Cllr Browne’s concerns and refused planning permission, noting that the business park’s original approval limited use to commercial and industrial purposes. All sports facilities. Under the land use zoning matrix, sports and leisure facilities (commercial and community) are not permitted on this land use zone,” council planners said.

The proposal “is contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” planners added.

The council reiterated its support for sports facilities in appropriate locations but maintained that this site does not meet the development plan’s criteria.

"The planning authority seeks to encourage the development of sports facilities at appropriate locations, which are located at a convenient distance from residential areas and co-located where opportunities allow.

"The application site is located within a permitted development of warehouse units, at a remove from the town centre, residential areas and existing sporting facilities. The proposal is not in accordance with the Tipperary County Development Plan 2022 and is contrary to proper planning and sustainable development.

Padel, a fast-growing racket sport, is played in doubles on a compact court. While its scoring mirrors tennis, the game’s unique rules borrow from squash and incorporate squash-like elements.