Plans for padel courts next to Dobbies Garden Centre in Peterborough

Arun Gupta from Rebound Padel applied to build four new padel courts on the vacant patch of land next to Dobbies Garden Centre on Phorpres Way, Hampton.

According to Mr Gupta’s plans, which were submitted to Peterborough City Council on November 12, the new courts would be 20×10 metres in size with a canopy and floodlighting so they could be used in all weather conditions.

They would be open from 7am to 10pm on weekdays and 8am to 10pm on weekends and bank holidays.

It was noted in the planning documents that Mr Gupta had an agreement in place with the owners of Dobbies for the use of a portion of the existing car parking, equating to 25 spaces.

“The applicant is keen to deliver this new sporting facility in this location having recognised the exponential growth of the sport across the country in recent years,” a planning statement read.

Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. According to the Lawn Tennis Association, more than 400,000 adults and juniors in Great Britain played padel at least once in 2024.

While Peterborough does not yet have any operational padel courts, there have been three planning applications approved recently for courts at Stanground Academy, the PE1 Retail Park and a warehouse on Lincoln Road.

City council planners will make a decision on Mr Gupta’s application at a later date.