Players gather to support under-threat padel court

Padel players have gathered to show support for a Berkshire court under threat of closure.

Retrospective planning permission for the facility at The Retreat at Elcot Park, Newbury, will be decided on Wednesday.

West Berkshire Council planning officers have recommended it for refusal, partly due to noise and the lack of a bus stop.

Hotel manager Ed Lyle said about 1,500 players had registered to use the court and 120 people turned up on Monday to show the difference it made to them.

An application for planning permission for 24 months was put in retrospectively, after the work to convert the hotel's existing tennis courts had been carried out.

Lyle said they had not realised planning permission was required, for what the hotel had only considered to be a "temporary court".

"But since we've heard, we've cooperated and we're hoping that sense will prevail," he added.

A council conservation officer said they had "no objection" to the conversion, which had "not materially altered the setting of house given the similarity of the structure".

Player Edward Hopkins, who lives near Hungerford, said he organised the gathering to show the council the court was "undoubtedly a 'public good'".

"Why would you get rid of a local sports facility that provides fun and outdoor exercise for people of all ages," he said.

"It would be an inexcusable error of judgement."

Harry and Will Stephens run Courts Padel, which has been coaching players at the court since it opened at the end of November.

Will said for some players the game had "almost changed their lives", benefiting their mental health, fitness and helping them meet people.

Freddie, 11, said he had recently celebrated his birthday at the court, playing padel with his friends.

"It's really enjoyable, it's also the only place around here, so hopefully it stays," he said.

Charity Swings and Smiles in Thatcham, which supports children with disabilities and their families, said it used the court during the school holidays.

Chief executive Rhonda Nicklin said they "desperately hope West Berkshire council hears our plea and does not remove this court".

The gathered players have also attempted to break the world record for the most people to stand simultaneously on a padel court.