A HEALTH club in Thurrock wants to build three new courts to cater for a growing sports trend.

The Bannatyne Health Club, Howard Road, Chafford Hundred has submitted an application to Thurrock Council to build three floodlit padel courts on a disused tennis court area.

Padel is a fast-growing racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Played on a smaller, enclosed court with glass walls, padel is typically played in doubles. Players use solid racquets to hit a smaller, softer ball over the net, and the ball can bounce off the walls.

The club describes padel as a "low-impact sport, making it suitable for players of all ages and fitness levels".

In its application, the club said: "The benefits of padel include improved cardiovascular fitness, hand-eye coordination, and flexibility. Padel also enhances social interaction, as it is usually played in doubles, promoting teamwork and communication. It's a fun, accessible way to stay active while enjoying friendly competition."

Originally popular in Spain and other European countries, the sport has gained momentum. The game appeals to a wide range of ages and skill levels due to its relatively simple rules and lower impact compared to other racquet sports.

The three 20metre long by 10metre wide courts will be enclosed with a combination glass and mesh wall and fence panels supported by steel posts with a synthetic turf play surface.

The padel courts will be covered by a fabric canopy made from a polyester cloth allowing 60 per cent of light through.

The application includes a 28-space car park.

The club said: "The proposed padel courts will replace the existing disused tennis courts at Bannatyne Health Club and would be located close to the existing health club building that provides changing accommodation and ancillary facilities.

"This location will afford convenient maintenance and emergency access as well and providing for suitable management, supervision, and administration by the health club. The proposal design is complementary to its local environment and would introduce minimal visual impact and does not create unacceptable impacts to adjacent public areas or to the amenity of residential neighbours."