Family farm plans padel centre to secure future
Getty ImagesPlans to "future-proof" a family farm with a new indoor padel centre have been submitted.
The development at Offerton Grange Farm, near Sunderland, would include six padel courts, a cafe, mezzanine floor, seating area and parking.
Supporting documents submitted to Sunderland City Council said it was becoming "increasingly difficult" to sustain the farm through agricultural activities alone and there was a "clear need to look beyond agriculture for diversification opportunities".
Padel tennis is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, with demand outstripping the number of venues.
Applicants said the facility was a "natural and necessary progression" for the business and would help "support the continued operation of the family farm, safeguard its future, and ensure it can be passed on to future generations".
The design for the proposed building near the A19 and Hastings Hill roundabout is inspired by an agricultural grain store and would be located on land currently used for storing farm machinery.
The plans come amid growing demand for padel, with applicants saying facilities in the North East "remain limited" and there is a "shortfall in capacity" for year-round play.
According to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), there are currently about 1,533 padel courts in Britain, and more than 860,000 people played the game at least once in 2025.
Applicants said the farm-based model could offer "more accessible pricing", helping to "support increased participation, making the sport more inclusive to a wider range of users".
The applicants added the scheme would "significantly improve local access to padel, reduce pressure on existing facilities, and support the continued growth of the sport within the North East".
A decision on the proposal is expected following consultation.
