Padel centre in plans for Brighton Road in Shoreham

The centre, which would be located on Fishermans Wharf in Brighton Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, was recommended for temporary approval by Adur Council's planning committee on December 1.

The facility would include six covered padel courts, alongside changing facilities, a café and a shop.

Permission for the temporary setup, proposed by Padel Republic Ltd, would last for five years, with the court structures being prefabricated for easy setup and removal.

Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in both the UK and the world (Image: BHCC)

The facility would be open from 6am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 6pm on Sundays.

It would feature two championship-standard courts, all under a 10.7m high canopy, with a lowered roof over the reception and other areas.

Coaching would be offered and the small shop would stock padel equipment, clothing and accessories.

Padel is a racket sport that includes elements of tennis and squash, and is currently one of the fastest growing sports globally.

The development would also include parking for both cars and bicycles, with the expected impact on the local transport network deemed manageable.

The application received 38 letters of support from local addresses which highlighted the current lack of existing indoor all-weather sports facilities in the area.

A noise impact assessment found that the proposed courts would not lead to a significant increase in ambient noise levels, given the high traffic noise already present on Brighton Road.

The Shoreham Harbour Joint Area Action Plan (JAAP), adopted in 2019, identified Fishermans Wharf as part of a redevelopment area.

While the proposed padel centre deviates from the long-term development plan, a temporary permission would allow the site’s utilisation without disrupting future regeneration plans.