New padel centre plan for school grounds

Plans have been submitted for a new padel facility at a school in Rutland.

The centre, which would be located at Uppingham Community College's London Road site, would feature 10 covered courts alongside associated landscaping and parking.

Discovery Schools Academies Trust, which runs the school, said the facility would provide year-round opportunities for students and the wider community to access the "rapidly growing sport".

Head teacher David Anderson said the "exciting" plans would "further strengthen" the school's ties to the local community.

Padel, which has increased in popularity in recent years, is similar to tennis but is distinguished by shorter rackets, smaller courts and underarm serves.

The plans, submitted to Rutland County Council, state the aim is to bring accessible padel facilities to the county while creating "new opportunities for physical activity, community participation and grassroots sport".

Anderson said: "This exciting plan would provide an outstanding sporting facility to complement the wide range of activities already offered through our PE curriculum.

"Padel reflects our school values as an accessible and inclusive sport that can be enjoyed by people of all abilities and experience levels."

According to the academy trust, the covered design has been developed to minimise noise, reduce light spill and limit visual impact, while the scheme also includes additional parking and landscaping improvements.

It added if planning approval is granted, the facility could open from spring 2027.

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