Tipperary padel courts denial appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála
The padel court development was denied permission by Tipperary County Council, despite overwhelming support for the facility
An appeal has been lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála against a decision by Tipperary County Council to refuse planning for a padel court facility in Cashel.
The company had sought retention planning (permission after the fact) for a four-court padel tennis facility.
Padel is a court game similar to tennis, but generally quicker and more beginner-friendly than many racket sports. The equipment is not considered unduly expensive, and is usually available to rent. The sport has exploded in popularity in recent years, with Messi, Ronaldo, and Serena Williams among those picking up the racket.
The retention permission was for four padel courts, a kitchen, reception, toilets and changing rooms. Permission was granted at the industrial site itself for seven warehouses in 2022, one of which is occupied.
In its arguments, architects for the applicants maintained that although the land is zoned for enterprise, that there is an existing gym in Ashwell Business Park “on lands similarly zoned for enterprise and employment use, indicating that such uses have previously been deemed acceptable in principle”.
They also pointed out that nearby facilities, such as Cashel Rugby Club, “further reinforce the suitability of the location for recreational use”.
SUPPORT
The application had received no objections, but was in fact supported in its application by five local bodies: Larkspur Park; a representative of Cashel Palace; the Chamber of Commerce; Cashel King Cormac’s GAA club; and former All-Ireland Senior Camogie winner Emily Hayden.
Those in support of the facility were, variously, in favour of padel as a social, accessible sport; that it would bring holiday-makers and corporate groups to the town; strengthen the town’s appeal to employers and the residential community; and reduce vacancy.
The GAA club also made the point that the plans had created “a buzz” about the town and offered them as a club an opportunity for socialising, off-season activity, and as an indoor sport offered a solution to the the realities of the Irish weather.
Ms Hayden had made the point that, as a small business owner and a sports professional, that a venue like this could be expanded so local instructors, coaches and health professionals could deliver classes and programmes to the community.
“From my own perspective, this could potentially provide a new and much needed venue for Pilates and injury-prevention classes”.
REFUSAL
A previous and almost identical application was refused by the council in February of this year. The reason for that refusal, and the more recent one, is a zoning issue.
The land is zoned for ‘enterprise and employment’ and the council determined that the use of the warehouses for padel tennis would be at odds with the aim of “employment growth and promotion”.
In its planner’s report, the council admitted that the case is being made that a padel court is an ‘enterprise’ as it will create employment.
Nevertheless, the planner determined that “sports and leisure facilities are not permitted on lands zoned for enterprise and employment”.
The council also maintain that the padel court is too far from residential areas, and will thus encourage people to use cars to get there.
The council also maintained that the ‘operation hours and number of visitors is unclear’. However, parking issues were not considered a reason for refusal.
The council’s decision is now before An Coimisiún Pleanála.