HTC’s Environment & Planning Committee on 20 April considered an application for “Installation of 4no. Padel Courts, 2 with Dutch Barn Canopy, and ancillary facilities at Cobbs Farm Shop, Bath Road, Hungerford, RG17 0SP.” You can see the application details by clicking here and entering the reference 26/00320/FUL.

After a discussion, at which a spokesperson for Cobbs and for the applicant were present, HTC’s conclusion was one of support. “We wish to expand the sporting facilities in Hungerford,” the meeting’s minutes record. “It is an inclusive sport which would be an asset to the town. The Committee disagrees with Highways comments; the facility should be on the perimeter as its not suitable for a residential area.”

The comments referred from Highways are available on the WBC website and can be seen here. The comments have nothing to say about the dangers of access onto the A4 (though a fast road the sightlines are good and there have been no accidents at the turn off) and no particular concern about the demand on car-parking spaces. However, the comments went on to say that the site was unsustainable, this being “a facility that should be located within an area of population where travel could be by all modes. In this location there would be a heavy reliance on travel by private car.”

That’s true. However, not all cars emit fumes. Also, in a rural area, the same could be said for almost anywhere. Should villages be depopulated or turned into museums? I travel four times a week to swim at Hungerford Leisure Centre. There being no longer a bus service, I have to drive. By this logic, it seems that I shouldn’t. What should I do instead: paddle (or even padel) in the river Lambourn?

It goes on to say that “the proposed use is not linked or associated in any way with the existing use at the site. It is not an ancillary facility that would be expected to be provided alongside the existing uses. It is a completely stand-alone new use. There is no feasible justification for such a facility to be located here.”

I’m not entirely sure what this observation has to do with highways. There’s a commercial decision involved in that Cobbs and Padel Shift (the applicants) think that the venture would be a good fit. In any event, the statement isn’t true as there’s a (very popular) play barn on the site. Padel is played by people of all ages, including children. The applicants have said that they want to work with local schools and youth groups and have already started contacting them. I imagine this would tick quite a few policy boxes.

If you want to see four padel courts installed within easy reach of Hungerford, this is your opportunity to influence the decision (see above for how to do this). There are currently two public comments on the site, both supporting the application (in addition to HTC’s).

For those of you unfamiliar with padel, here’s a brief description of the sport as provided by the applicant:

“Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. It’s typically played in doubles on an enclosed court about 25% smaller than a tennis court. The smaller court size, slower pace of play, and reduced technical barrier make padel particularly accessible to children, older players and those new to racket sports. The sport encourages inclusive participation and regular use, contributing positively to community cohesion, physical health, and mental wellbeing.”