Padel courts at former Cleethorpes Jungle Zoo approved

Plans to develop padel courts at the site of a former zoo in Cleethorpes have received planning approval. Permission has been granted to the creation of five padel courts at the former site of The Jungle Zoo, off Kings Road.

There will be four doubles courts and one singles court. Four courts will have a rain canopy, allowing for all-year round use.

Padel is a racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash. A court is enclosed by glass and mesh, which enable rebound shots.

The application received dozens of supportive comments from local residents, suggesting much local enthusiasm for the project. “What a fabulous concept and idea. Exactly what Cleethorpes needs, in the heart of the community,” commented a resident of Pendreth Place, Cleethorpes.

Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society also supported the application, taking the view it will be “an additional entertainment facility in the resort”. Besides the padel courts, the plans include a clubhouse, formed of two modified shipping containers.

This will house a pay station, changing rooms, accessible toilets and storage facilities and its shape will create a courtyard area for outdoor seating. East Coast Padel Ltd is behind the scheme, a padel operator founded by four friends with a shared passion for sport and their local communities.

It already runs a facility at Active+, Harpings Road, in Hull. Cleethorpes was chosen as a location by East Coast Padel Ltd because it is an area of local importance to the founders and fits with their model of investing locally.

The Jungle Zoo closed four years ago, citing cost pressures. Conditions linked to approval of the padel courts include provision of secure cycling facilities before it is up and running.