Perton farms wants to build padel courts and revive 'dilapidated' farm shop
A South Staffordshire farm has submitted plans for the full redevelopment of a farm shop described as ‘dilapidated’.
It is also proposed to include four padel tennis courts as part of business diversification.
Bradshaws Farm on Wrottesley Park Road in Perton is a fourth-generation family farm and advised the Thatcher government on agricultural policy. The applicants say with increasing financial strain on the industry farmers need to diversify in order to survive.
Now they plan to demolish the existing ‘dated’ farm shop to redevelop the site to a typical rural farm shop. The new shop would be built on the same footprint as the existing one, though it would be wider. It would be screened from view by the existing tree line.
It is planned that the redeveloped area will include four padel tennis courts and a clubhouse. There are no padel tennis courts available to serve local residents.
The courts will be open to the public, including local schools and sports clubs. The Lawn Tennis Association, in a letter accompanying the application, states that there is unmet demand for the development..
The site will have 53 parking spaces for all users and access will be taken from Wrottesley Park Road. Despite an anticipated increase in the number of visitors to the site, it is expected that it will only have a minor impact on the highway network.
Documents submitted to South Staffordshire Council state: “The proposed development is for the enhancement of the Site through the redevelopment of the existing farm shop. This includes the demolition and removal of the existing dated and dilapidated farm shop structure and associated operational space.
“The redevelopment of the existing farm shop makes efficient use of previously developed land, replacing a visually and functionally outdated structure with a well-designed, energy-efficient building that aligns with the rural character of the area. The introduction of padel courts is consistent with national and local planning policy objectives relating to outdoor recreation, public health, and community well-being.
“The development will generate local employment opportunities, enhance access to fresh produce and sport, and improve the environmental quality of the site through sensitive landscaping and biodiversity net gain.”
The application and all supporting documents can be viewed on South Staffordshire Council’s planning portal under reference number 25/00607/FULM. Public comments on the application can be made until August 25. Planning officers are currently considering the plans.
