PADEL is coming to North Devon after councillors approved converting a tennis facility at the Tarka Leisure Centre in Barnstaple.

One outdoor hard surface court to the south east of the main leisure building will become two padel courts.

It’s understood that these will be the first public padel courts in North Devon.

The sport, which combines elements of tennis and squash, is growing in popularity.

A covered steel structure with a pitched light grey roof and glazed panels which can be opened for ventilation will be erected and lighting will allow the courts to be used all year round.

The application was made to North Devon Council by Lex Leisure who run the leisure centre on the council’s behalf.

Planning committee members unanimously supported the scheme at their meeting on Wednesday.

Officers said the padel courts will broaden sporting opportunities and the long term viability of the facility. They expect the courts to be successful.

The meeting was told that other applications for padel courts had come forward in North Devon but there were problems with the sites.

The shelter will not be “unduly prominent” measuring 41 metres by 12 metres and just over eight metres in height.

Access will be through the existing tennis court area and court bookings managed through the leisure centre. Use will be confined to normal opening hours.

Ten indoor tennis courts and three outdoor tennis courts will still be available to the public.

The committee was satisfied that there would be no overall loss of sports provision available to the community.