Plans for town padel courts and fitness hub approved

Plans to convert a workshop building into a sports and wellbeing hub have been given the go-ahead.

Melton Borough Council approved proposals for six padel courts, a pilates and yoga studio, a wellness clinic and coffee shop in the former Pera Innovation research and development workshop in Melton, Leicestershire.

Planning documents submitted on behalf of the applicant, Obstrat Limited, said the hub would "enhance the attractiveness, competitiveness and long-term resilience" of the Pera Business Park.

In a report recommending the approval of the scheme, planning officer Deirbhile Blair said the plans would not cause "any undue impact on the character of the area or on neighbouring amenities."

Described as the town's "first lifestyle-led padel and wellbeing hub", those behind the plans hope to work with local schools and youth organisations to introduce more young people to the sport, as well as running adapted sessions for people with disabilities and lower intensity sessions called "senior padel socials".

The workshop, built in the 1960s, was most recently used as a recycling pilot plant, documents said.

They added that the workshop was in "need of investment to maintain it".

The opening hours for the hub are set to be from 06:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT with "some variation depending on demand".

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