A new padel court business could be coming to Somerford.

GSM Padel has applied to Cheshire East Council for permission to turn a former storage unit off Holmes Chapel Road into an indoor sports facility.

Previously home to Youngs Animal Feeds, the application proposes installing three padel courts inside the steel frame building.

"The proposed padel court business would make re-use of an existing building that has proven hard to let to industrial or other commercial enterprises," reads a planning statement submitted by Emery Planning on behalf of the applicant.

"There would be no external alterations to the premises, and it is demonstrated that there are strong economic and social needs, and the change of use would be an acceptable form of development in the open countryside."

The application building (Credit: Emery Planning)

The planning statement continues, noting that there are not currently any padel courts to the western side of Congleton.

Furthermore, the sport is said to have 'gained enormous popularity' in recent years.

It adds: "The UK is stated to be on the brink of significant growth in terms of padel.

"The Lawn Tennis Association hopes there will be 1,000 padel courts and 600,000 players by the end of 2026.

"The provision of this inclusive padel court business would provide an opportunity to promote accessible physical and mental well-being in the area."

If given the green light, the business would be open to the public between 7am and 10pm seven days a week, utilising an online booking system.

It would provide employment for three members of staff, each working 35 hours per week.

The application can be viewed on the Cheshire East planning portal under the reference 25/3982/FUL.