NAPTON PADEL PROJECT UPDATE 

December Update 2

Planning Permission

We are delighted to report that planning permission has been approved for the construction of two padel courts at Napton Sports Field.
There are two pre-commencement conditions that we are required to fulfil:
  • The existing tennis courts sit at a higher level than the proposed padel courts. Stratford District Council has therefore requested details of the retaining wall that will be constructed. Drawings and specifications will be produced by the contractor appointed to deliver the project.
  • Further details relating to the proposed floodlighting and activation systems must also be submitted. These will again be provided by our preferred contractor.

Appointment of a Contractor

Project specifications and drawings were issued to prospective contractors in November, with a closing date for responses of 23 December 2025. We have already received several submissions.
Tender responses will be evaluated over the coming weeks, with the aim of awarding a construction contract by the end of January. Subject to this process progressing as planned, we are hopeful that construction can begin in February, allowing the courts to open in Spring as intended.
We are also planning an open day at the Sports Field in the New Year. This will give everyone the opportunity to see where the courts will be located, what they will look like, and how we plan to operate the padel club.

Call for Volunteers

Thank you to everyone who responded to last month’s call for volunteers — we really appreciate your support. There is still plenty to do, so if you would like to get involved, please complete the form here:

Funding Update

As mentioned in previous updates, we have confirmed project funding of £110,000, with a further £70,000 anticipated. We are still applying for other grants and loans so we hope we will be putting spade to soil in the early Spring, and the courts operational shortly afterwards.