Congleton's new padel court facility is starting to take shape.

Cheshire East Council has greenlit plans to turn a former storage unit off Holmes Chapel Road into an indoor sports facility.

The proposals were put forward by GSM Padel, who are in the process of installing three padel courts inside a steel frame building, previously home to Youngs Animal Feeds.

With planning permission now secured, it is hoped the site will be ready to open in early February.

In a report recommending the plans be approved, case officer Lyle Robinson wrote: "The development would not entail significant rebuilding and would make best use of existing infrastructure.

"Whilst it is considered that a use such as padel courts could be located closer to the town centre it is considered that it can also fall outside of a town centre use definition and would be equally sustainable in this peri-urban out of centre location.

"The economic benefits of this proposed use are afforded minor weight in the planning balance.

"In this instance it is considered that the proposed use would be acceptable in principle and, subject to conditions, all other relevant material considerations"

First look inside the new padel court facility (Credit: Supplied)

Cheshire East Council formally approved the plans on Monday, January 12, subject to three conditions being met.

Firstly, the development must begin within three years of the date the permission was granted.

Second, the development must be carried out in accordance with the approved plans as supplied in the application.

Finally, the materials used must be in strict accordance with those specified in the application unless agreed otherwise.

GSM Padel is expected to open in early February (Credit: Supplied)