A BASILDON sports facility could be set for a unique sport which is growing in popularity across the world.

Padel tennis firm PadelStars has submitted an application to Basildon Council for the construction of four courts at Basildon Sporting Village in Cranes Farm Road.

The company has proposed to relocate an existing storage compound and install four tennis courts, a canopy roof structure and a social area in its place.

Three of the proposed courts are set to be indoors and will be housed in a steel structure with wire meshing on the sides and a fabric roof cover.

The fourth is set to be an open air court enclosed with glass and welded mesh side walls sitting next to the club hut and social area. 

If approved, the padel tennis courts will be situated between the football pitch and netball courts in the sporting village which currently houses five storage containers.

The development will look to bring four courts to the sporting village.The development will look to bring four courts to the sporting village. (Image: Newsquest)

Padel tennis is a popular racket sport of Mexican origin where participants use plastic and foam bats, described as a mixture of squash and tennis.

The sport is played using a typical tennis ball, with players having to let the ball bounce before hitting.

It has rapidly grown in popularity over the last few years among people of all ages, with 250 court facilities being built in the UK between 2022 and 2023.

The game can be played all year round and is similar to tennis in terms of scoring but the enclosed play and wall bounces introduce a new dimension.

PadelStars prides itself on offering “premium courts and facilities” for people to enjoy everything from introduction sessions to competitions. 

It added: “We offer a great atmosphere where you can quickly pick up the basics, have a great time playing and socialise with friends.