Telford padel courts plan passed despite concern over use of shipping containers

A plan for new padel courts at a leisure centre in Telford has been approved after planners resolved their concerns over the use of shipping containers.

We Do Tennis, long‑term partner of Telford & Wrekin Council’s leisure service, has been given the green light to replace two tennis courts with two covered and one outdoor padel court at Telford Tennis Centre, in Oakengates.

Council officials had their concerns over the use of stacked shipping containers to support a covered structure.

"The local planning authority expressed concerns with the visual appearance and use of shipping containers to support the structure and suggested that a more lightweight structure would be more appropriate for the context," planners wrote.

But a planning agent responded by saying that the design had been carefully considered.

They wrote: "Reducing the scale or altering the configuration would have a direct impact on the ability to achieve the required canopy form and would compromise the functionality of the proposal."

It was revealed in discussions that this is the first time this specific arrangement has been used for padel courts.

But shipping containers are used for leisure-based development and covered modular environments across the country, the agent confirmed.

Telford & Wrekin Council planners ultimately decided that the proposal "largely accords" with its policies.

The shipping containers will contain changing facilities, toilets, meeting and viewing spaces and a showroom for the shipping container supplier.

The stacking was designed to support the height of a canopy and what they will contain.

In a press release when the application was lodged in April, Telford & Wrekin Council said the proposal marked a key milestone in bringing one of Europe’s fastest‑growing sports to the borough.

The council stated that padel continues to surge in popularity across Europe thanks to its sociable, fast‑paced and accessible style of play.

Nigel Hunter, co‑director of We Do Tennis, said: “Padel is growing at an incredible pace and we’re passionate about bringing this vibrant, sociable sport to Telford.

"These new courts will allow people of all ages and abilities to try something fresh, stay active and enjoy a brilliant atmosphere.

"We’re proud to be investing in Telford Tennis Centre and look forward to progressing our plans.”