PLANS for the construction of padel tennis courts have been submitted.

An application proposing the courts at Queens Park Recreation Ground, on Boundary Road – with "means of enclosure, canopy and associated service building" – has been put forward.

Padel tennis - described as a fast-paced cross between tennis and squash – is a sporting craze sweeping the country.

The sport's social appeal and inclusivity is said to be what sets it apart, with youngsters barely into their teens and pensioners well into their 70s taking part.

New padel courts are springing up all over the UK with more than 250 new facilities built in 2022-23 – a rise of 116 per cent on the previous year – taking it to more than 460 courts overall.

Games are scored as they are in tennis, rackets are solid ‘padel’ bats with holes to create spin and serves are done underarm, thereby taking out the technically difficult tennis serve.

In the planning design and access statement, it says that overall the information submitted to the local planning authority shows that the proposed development complies with policies at a local and national level and therefore “constitutes sustainable development as defined at the heart of” the NPPF.

“This planning, design and access statement has demonstrated that the proposed padel facility supports the NPPF’s objective of sustainable development,” it says.

“The development aims to use underutilised brownfield land in an area of existing open space to enhance the sport and recreation offer in the borough.

“The proposals promote healthy and safe communities and are considered to fully accord with policies outlined in the local development plan.

“Queens Park is a sustainable location for such a facility and represents a positive investment in sporting provision.

“The proposed padel tennis courts will contribute positively to the local area by helping to create an inclusive community with a strong sense of place while also promoting healthy lifestyles in St Helens.”

Padel is typically played as doubles on an enclosed area a third of the size of a tennis court and with a squash-like glass back wall, is reported to be the fastest-growing racket sport in the world with more than 25 million active players in 110 countries.

According to the Press Association, the likes of sporting superstars Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Lionel Messi and singer Shakira have all reportedly caught the bug.