Perton farm submits ambitious application to replace 'dated' shop with new retail unit, padel courts and a clubhouse

Bradshaws Farm, Wrottesley Park Road, submitted an ambitious planning application to South Staffordshire Council which could transform its future.

The farm's owners have hired GRO Designs as architects for the prospective development. 

In a statement to the council's planning officers and committee, GRO Designs said: "To replace the existing dated and dilapidated farm shop structure and associated operational space with a stunning high quality farm retail unit, enhanced parking, EV charging points.

"Access will be complimented by a high quality landscape infrastructure including extensive native species tree planting, species rich grasses, permeable surfacing treatments including paved pedestrian circulation and vehicular surfacing. 

"The scheme also seeks to include four padel courts and associated club house facilities as part of a national LTA initiative for health and well being and inclusive activities for the local communities."

This is the latest application around Wolverhampton for new courts to cater for fast growing sport of padel ball. Wolverhampton Council received an application this week to build two new courts at G5 Industrial Park in Spring Road, Ettingshall, and earlier this year Wolverhampton Lawn Tennis and Squash Club, Newbridge, unveiled plans to replace grass tennis courts with the smaller artificial surface padel courts.

The Lawn Tennis Association is investing in the growing sport, which is a mix of squash and tennis, and invented in Mexico in the late 1960s. It is played in doubles on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court and uses the same scoring system.

Players use solid, string less rackets to hit a smaller ball over a net. The ball can bounce off the walls, similar to squash, and uses similar balls to tennis but with less pressure. However, residents close to the new courts have complained about the louder noises created compared to tennis. Angry Sutton Coldfield residents compared the sound to 'gunshots' in March.

Avision Young Planning Ltd also submitted evidence claiming the green-belt development is tailored to both local and national planning policy frameworks as well as improving the communities healthy eating options and exercise opportunities.

They said: "The Bradshaws is a fourth-generation family farm now operating as a regenerative zero-tillage cereal farm, also growing regen potatoes and salads. The farm has evolved over the generations from livestock and poultry farming to soft fruits and vegetable growing in its heyday. In the mid 1970’s the family advised the Thatcher government on UK agricultural policy." 

They added: "It is well documented the need for access to fresh, healthy produce at affordable prices, which in the local vicinity there is no such thing, hence why the Bradshaws wish to reinvigorate the Farm Shop to create a destination that the local and wider community will reap the benefits from. 

"Alongside the farm shop offering, it is proposed to install a Padel Club which will be open to the public, including local schools, sports clubs, children and adults of any age. Our community has an acute need for outdoor sports facilities that are accessible to anyone."

To view the application and be part of the public consultation, which ends on August 25, visit South Staffordshire Council's website and search for  25/00607/FULM.