Newport golf club hopes to get into the swing of padel craze if planners approve

A Shropshire town is set to join the padel craze if planners approve the latest proposal.

A plan has been lodged with Telford & Wrekin Council to bring the fast growing racquet sport to Newport's Aqualate Golf Club.

Planning agent Aaron Chetwynd Architect Studio has told council planners that the applicants are "passionate about delivering these high-quality sporting additions to the golf club to provide facilities to all members of the community."

The agents say the four proposed padel courts would become the "only local dedicated Padel tennis facilities in Newport."

Aqualate Golf Club, established in 1977, is a "community focused" 80-acre, 18-hole, par 69 course.

The club includes an area which is partially used for storage of materials associated with course maintenance, such as bunker sand and topsoil. Timber from tree falls, for the entire Aqualate Estate, is also processed and stored onsite.

Padel is thought to be the fastest growing sport in the world, with more than 25 million players.

"The proposal allows the club to diversify and attract non-golfing customers to the site," the agents have told planners.

It is proposed that vehicles and pedestrians will access via the existing entry / exit point on the A518 and use the existing large car park.

"The proposals will provide employment through construction, and post development positions of coaches, admin staff, finance, and maintenance roles," the agents write.

They will also provide the club with a boost in revenue to ensure its viability and enhance their overall sporting offer.

A public consultation has been launched on the Telford & Wrekin Council planning portal with the reference TWC/2026/0507.