Progress Since the Last Newsletter

Detailed plans for a retaining wall between the existing tennis courts and the proposed padel courts, together with floodlighting proposals required by Stratford District Council, are nearing completion. These will be submitted within the next week or so.

Further progress has been made in selecting a preferred contractor to build the courts. Requests for final design details and costings will be issued to the three shortlisted contractors in the next 10 days.

Update on Operating Licence

As noted in the last newsletter, discussions continue with Napton Parish Council (NPC) regarding the granting of a licence to Napton Padel Charity (NPAD) to build and operate two padel courts on Napton Sports Field. This remains ongoing, and it is currently unclear when NPC will be in a position to grant the licence.

The implications of this delay are as follows:

• We have been unable to apply for a £100,000 grant from FCC Communities Foundation , which would have enabled the construction of two courts simultaneously. We expect to be able to reapply for this funding in approximately four months. So, at present we have sufficient funding to construct one court.
• Until a licence is granted, it will not be possible to commence any construction work.
• As a result, it will no longer be possible to open the padel courts by Easter 2026 as planned. Our current best estimate for opening is the end of May 2026, although this remains dependent on NPC granting the licence.