On the 5th August, Lewes District Council’s planning committee green lit proposals to build a five-court padel facility on part of a site used as a HGV driver training centre.
Committee members heard from Paul Lewis, a representative of Plumpton Racecourse, who backed the proposal, submitted by Hurstwood Sports Group Ltd, saying it would support the long-term viability of the racecourse.
He said: “This proposal is about much more than padel. Plumpton Racecourse is an important employer and community asset and has been for over 140 years.
“But like many independent racecourses we face increasing financial pressures as a result of declining attendances, increased horse and jockey welfare requirements and government restrictions on gambling. If we are lucky, we race on 16 days per year.
“This development provides a sustainable year-round income stream that will help secure the long term future of the racecourse, while bringing a new community sports facility, creating local jobs and encouraging healthier lifestyles.”
Mr Lewis also asked the committee to allow for amended hours of operation.
The conditions initially recommended by officers restricted operation to between 9am and 10pm, seven days a week.
Councillors agreed to amend this to allow from 8am and 10pm Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 10pm on Sundays.
The council received 35 letters of support and 25 objections for the application.
Objectors raised concerns around noise; lighting; traffic generation; loss of race day parking; harm to residential amenity, ecology, impacts on horses and livestock; the site’s overall visual impact; countryside location; and the loss of the existing driver training use.
Planning officers said Environmental Protection had reviewed and raised no concerns.
The committee heard all five courts would be enclosed in the building.
The applicant says 12 jobs would be created.
The building would also contain spectator seating and office and storage space. It would have acoustic mitigation measures, low-level external lighting, landscaping and associated works.
For further information see application reference LW/26/0028 on the Lewes District Council website.
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