The operators of East Kilbride’s first indoor padel venue say they are “very disappointed” the council has refused retrospective planning permission for the club despite it already opening and proving hugely popular with locals.
It’s Padel, which opened on Stroud Road earlier this year, caters to one of Scotland’s fastest growing sports with five indoor courts, a café and mezzanine, changing facilities and coaching, with bookings available through Playtomic.
South Lanarkshire Council’s planning register shows that the application covering the use of an industrial/storage warehouse as a padel court sports facility, was refused on August 25.
The local authority and It’s Padel would not reveal the reasons for the refusal but said the business can appeal the decision. However, the council warned continued use of the facility would be “unauthorised”.
Fraser Carlin, Head of Planning & Regulatory Services at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “The Planning Committee refused planning permission for the retrospective application that was submitted by It’s Padel for the premises at Stroud Road. The applicants may choose to submit an appeal to the Scottish Government, but any ongoing operations at the site remain unauthorised.”
Padel is a fast-paced and addictive racquet sport that is taking the country by storm. Combining elements of squash and tennis, it is played in doubles on an enclosed court and uses solid racquets and glass walls that keep the ball in play, creating fast, tactical rallies. The game is seen as easier to play and more social than tennis, with leisure venues opening up across Scotland.
At Its Padel in East Kilbride the courts are already built, the club is trading and customers can currently book sessions - which are routinely booked out.
The business told Scottish News the busy venue, which has attracted a wide age range, from children to pensioners, has quickly become a part of the community and the response has been “overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the demand for new, accessible indoor sports facilities in East Kilbride”.
An It’s Padel spokesperson said: “We are aware that South Lanarkshire Council has refused retrospective planning permission for our dedicated indoor padel facility at Stroud Road. While this decision does not require us to close immediately, it does create uncertainty for our business and for the many local players who have already embraced padel as a new sport in the town.
“We understand that the council has set out its reasons for refusal in the decision notice, and we are currently reviewing these in detail with our professional advisers. An appeal against the decision is one of the options available to us, and we are actively considering our next steps.”
He added: “In the meantime, our courts have been built, bookings have been taken, and the venue has been operating for several months with strong uptake from local residents, clubs, and families. The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the rapid growth of padel across Scotland and the demand for new, accessible indoor sports facilities in East Kilbride.
“We are keen to work constructively with South Lanarkshire Council to find a solution that allows this new leisure asset to continue contributing to the town’s sport and wellbeing offering. We believe It’s Padel brings health, social and economic benefits to the area, and we hope that a way forward can be agreed that recognises those wider gains.
“Until any further direction is given, we remain open and will keep our customers informed of any changes.”
It’s Padel aim to building 30 clubs across the UK within five years and say they are dedicated to providing exceptional facilities, top-notch coaching, and a welcoming atmosphere for players of all levels.