PLANS to upgrade facilities at the Wrexham Tennis Centre may be approved next week.
An application was submitted to Wrexham Council seeking permission for a range of improvements to the facility including the provision of three covered padel tennis courts in place of two existing tennis courts, and the resurfacing of existing tennis courts.
The plans also include the erection of LED floodlights, a canopy over the main entrance, and alterations to existing windows and doors, together with the installation of solar panels and electric parking stations.
Initially, permission was also sought for two additional tennis courts however the plans were later amended to omit them from the application.
The original plans did see objections by residents and community councillors, who have since been notified of the change to the application.
A report on the application said: “The conversion of 2 tennis courts to 3 covered padel tennis courts would be the most significant alteration to the site. The courts would be covered by a roof supported by columns and enclosed by 3m high glass screen walls.
“They would be set back approximately 40m from the highway and largely screened from view by the existing mature trees along Plas Coch Road. Nevertheless, limited views of the enclosures would be possible from the site entrance onto Plas Coch Road.
“However they would be viewed in the context of the existing tennis centre building and car park. Moreover, they would replace existing tennis courts enclosed by mesh fences approximately 3m in height. The design and appearance of the enclosures would be in keeping with the character of the site as a sports venue and would not detract from the wider locality.”
The report suggests that the Chief Officer Economy and Planning “be given delegated authority to grant planning permission” which would be subject to the council’s Public Protection Officer confirming no objection to the additional external illumination and conditions to secure the following:
- Standard 5 year time limit for commencement of development;
- The development be carried out in accordance with the submitted plans and Preliminary Ecology Appraisal; and
- A scheme of planting and net benefit to biodiversity.
The application will go before Wrexham Council’s Planning Committee meeting on Monday, December 4.
