Three new padel courts could soon be built in the car park of a supermarket.

The courts would be built at the eastern end of the Co-op supermarket car park on Burley Road in Oakham, if plans are approved by Rutland County Council.

The proposals were submitted by Nottingham hotelier Richard Johal, who co-founded the padel development firm PadelPlex.

He said: "We specifically selected Rutland for its sporting heritage and gap in the market for our offering. Known as a premier outdoor sports hub for the East Midlands, Rutland felt like the perfect location.

"In recent years, padel has experienced explosive growth, transforming from a niche activity to a mainstream phenomenon. Our goal is to create spaces that users will want to come back to time and time again, to enjoy this simple and accessible sport, and escape the busy world for an hour or so."

The courts would feature a vaulted canopy roof to shelter players from inclement weather, while a 20-foot on site container would house vending machines, a changing room space and an accessible toilet.

For greater player comfort during evenings and early mornings, the courts would be oriented north-south, to reduce the glare of the low-lying sun.

PadelPlex submitted proposals for its first padel complex – a £1 million development of five courts in the car park of a poker club in Nottingham – earlier this year, with backing from former England cricketer James Taylor.

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