I'm planning padel courts to diversify on our farm and bring a new community facility to Wrea Green
“Padel is a very popular, fast growing sport -we want to make it available to the community here”
A new padel centre planned for land at a rural Fylde farm will bring a key community facility to the area, including making the courts free for use by local school children.
That’s the aim of Aaron Bradshaw, who has submitted the courts plan for Blackburns Farm at Wrea Green to Fylde Council.
He wants to make the booming sport of padel tennis available as widely as possible and at the same time make the most of land otherwise unused at the site off Ribby Road.
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Blackburns Farm, which is owned by Aaron’s dad Andrew, is already home to a thriving a wildlife and biodiversity centre which already hosts school visits among many pursuits.
A memorial garden was also set up at the site several years ago and has proved popular with bereaved families.
“In this day and age, it is important for farms to diversify and we are being encouraged by the Government to do so,” said Aaron.
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“Padel is a very popular, fast growing sport but anyone from around rural Fylde who wants to play has to travel elsewhere and it can be very expensive, much more so than in other countries,” said Aaron.
“We want to make it available to the community here at a reasonable cost and we have a site of two acres or so on the farm which we feel is ideal for padel courts.
“We are already looking at making it freely available at certain times for local schoolchildren from Carr Hill and Pear Tree - we just want to see it used. It is something this area is missing and would benefit from.”
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The planning application covers the formation of three doubles-size covered padel courts with illumination under an 8m high roof, four doubles size covered courts each with 6m high floodlighting columns, two singles sized uncovered courts each with 6m high floodlighting columns, erection of a single storey padel amenities building, formation of a parking area, a 3m high perimeter fence and extension of an access track from Ribby Road to service the padel centre.
Aaron says it is hoped to use the courts all year round, with those covered available in all weathers and the floodlights installed to allow play beyond natural light in the winter.
The proposal is to be considered by Fylde planners.