News: Double success as two sets of Rotherham padel plans passed

Two sets of plans for new padel facilities in Rotherham have been approved.

Rothbiz has previously featured updated plans for new padel courts at Hellaby, and at the Grange Golf Club in Kimberworth.

Padel is a form of tennis that originated in Mexico in 1969, grew across South America before making it to Spain. The sport is now rapidly expanding across Europe.

The LTA says that since 2020 the number of padel courts in Britain grew from 50 to over 800, while annual participation rose from 15,000 in 2019 to 400,000 players in 2025.

At Hellaby, Top Play Enterprises has seen plans approved to convert a vacant 33,654 sq ft warehouse. Proposals show how nine padel courts could be created in a vacant building on Sandbeck Way, with one court described as a match court, surrounded by glass and viewing areas.

The ground floor would also include a reception, bar and kitchen, plus a gym and changing rooms. Upstairs on the mezzanine level, plans show seating and viewing area plus studio space and a room for "fire and ice" treatments through a sauna/steam and an ice bath.

The planning permission states that the leisure / gym facilities shall only be used in conjunction with the use of the padel courts and shall not be made available to non members.

Visit Rotherham reports that the new venue is set to be called, Go2Padel.

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At Grange Golf Club, Top Play's approved application is for the installation and provision of three flexi Padel Courts with associated enclosures and lighting and areas of soft landscaping located next to the club house on land which has previously been used as an outdoor event space and the siting of a large marquee.

The golf course is allocated Green Belt and planners at Rotherham Council said that the proposal is considered to be not inappropriate development with the siting of the padel court structure only having a limited impact on the openness of the Green Belt.

In approving the plans, the planner's concluded: "Overall, the principle of an extended recreational facility in this Green Belt location is considered appropriate outdoor recreation in land use terms and its co-location to support the viability of a long established golf club is considered acceptable. The size and siting of the facility close to the existing club house building is considered to be appropriate and will not have a harmful visual impact of the surroundings or on the openness of the adjacent Green Belt.

"The use is not considered to generate any significant noise issues over and above the existing golf club use."

Rothbiz has previously reported on approved plans for a refurbishment programme of the existing club house at Grange Golf Club, and the conversion of former agricultural buildings so that they can be used as holiday guest houses.

Go2Padel website

Images: Top Play

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News: Green light for Rotherham golf club revamp

Proposals for significant upgrades to a Rotherham golf club have been approved. Operators say that a diversified offer is key to the future of the business.

Rothbiz reported last year on a planned refurbishment programme of the existing club house, and the conversion of former agricultural buildings so that they can be used as holiday guest housesa at Grange Park Golf Club at Kimberworth.

The course was laid out in the 1970's on former coal workings where the freehold ownership passed to the Council. The course and clubhouse was let to Grange Park Golf Club Limited in 2005.

In 2023 local businessman Peter Eyre was approached to look at assisting the company who had debts of £500,000 and were in the process of appointing an administrator.

The plans from Top Play for the club house include a single-story infill entrance extension that would create a new contemporary entrance and meeting area, whilst increasing the existing external decked and seating area along the western elevation would expand the hospitality facilities to the rear overlooking the 18th green.

For two existing storage barns, the plan is to fully refurbish and upgrade the buildings to high standards to create holiday lets - three separate 2-bed, two storey units in one barn and two self contained 2-bed apartments in the other.

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The plans were approved without going before the council's planning board. The main issue was if the proposal constitutes inappropriate development in the green belt.

Officers explained: "Appropriate facilities for sport and recreation are considered to be exemptions from inappropriate development as are extensions to buildings provided that they are not disproportionate.

"The extension of the clubhouse building is intended to improve the existing recreational offer through a modernised facility which will increase the attractiveness of the site and venue and provide a secondary associated income to facilitate the continued and linked use of the golf course. The proposal is considered to represent appropriate facilities for outdoor sport and recreation."

Regarding the change of use element, the planning report adds that it: "seeks to re-use the structure of the existing outbuilding. The existing building is considered to be of a substantial and permanent construction and therefore not inappropriate development.

"The conversion of the existing disused outbuildings which forms part of the planning unit is also intended to allow for overnight stays to be used in conjunction with the improved golf facility. It is considered necessary to condition this for use in conjunction with the golf facility, as an unrelated use of this conversion to an open hotel use has the potential to generate additional traffic and disturbance to the surroundings."

Regarding the openness of the green belt, the planners conclude that "the operational development would result in a low or limited impact on the openness of the Green Belt and would not conflict with the purposes of including land within it. As such, the proposal is not considered to comprise inappropriate development within the Green Belt."

Top Play has also applied to site three flexi padel courts next to the club house on land which has previously been used as an outdoor event space and the siting of a large marquee. A decision is awaited.

Grange Park Golf Club website

Images: Grange Park Golf Club

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News: Padel plans in for Rotherham golf club

A set of plans have been served up for new outdoor padel courts at a Rotherham golf course.

Rothbiz reported earlier this year on early stage plans for new padel courts at The Grange Golf Club in Kimberworth.

The course was laid out in the 1970's on former coal workings where the freehold ownership passed to the Council. The course and clubhouse was let to Grange Park Golf Club Limited in 2005.

In 2023 local businessman Peter Eyre was approached to look at assisting the company who had debts of £500,000 and were in the process of appointing an administrator.

Top Play, which shares directors with Pocket Sports Bars Ltd and other Eyre family businesses, has been looking at diversifying the business after it was clear that just relying on golf course income and operating as an event venue was no longer sustainable.

Seperate plans for the club were recently submitted and involve a significant refurbishment programme of the existing club house, and the conversion of former agricultural buildings so that they can be used as holiday guest houses.

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Now Top Play has submitted an application for the installation and provision of three flexi Padel Courts with associated enclosures and lighting and areas of soft landscaping.

Padel is a form of tennis that originated in Mexico in 1969, grew across South America before making it to Spain. The sport is now rapidly expanding across Europe.

The LTA says that since 2020 the number of padel courts in Britain grew from 50 to over 800, while annual participation rose from 15,000 in 2019 to 400,000 players in 2025.

If approved, the courts would be located next to the club house on land which has previously been used as an outdoor event space and the siting of a large marquee.

The site is in the green belt and the plans add: "Following a rigorous consultation with the golf course management the proposed Padel Court location and setting it was agreed this is the preferred area, albeit untidy and requiring maintenance and has no significant environmental impact with the surrounding green belt, nature, conservation or agricultural interests."

The proposed opening hours would be Monday to Friday 8am - 9pm. and Saturdays and Sundays 8am - 9 pm and a padel court setup could add three new staff members at the course.

Rothbiz reported last week on approved plans from Top Play that show how nine padel courts could be created in a vacant building at Hellaby in Rotherham.

Grange Park Golf Club website

Images: Top Play

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News: Club house revamp and holiday lets planned at Rotherham golf club

A set of plans for significant upgrades to a Rotherham golf club are being driven forward by new operators.

A refurbishment programme of the existing club house, and the conversion of former agricultural buildings so that they can be used as holiday guest houses, are proposed for Grange Park Golf Club at Kimberworth.

Rothbiz reported last year on new investors coming on board at the former municipal course.

The course was laid out in the 1970's on former coal workings where the freehold ownership passed to the Council. The course and clubhouse was let to Grange Park Golf Club Limited in 2005.

In 2023 local businessman Peter Eyre was approached to look at assisting the company who had debts of £500,000 and were in the process of appointing an administrator.

Top Play, which shares directors with Pocket Sports Bars Ltd and other Eyre family businesses, has been looking at diversifying the business after it was clear that just relying on golf course income and operating as an event venue was no longer sustainable.

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Plans explain that the golf club has recently undertaken a full internal refurbishment of the current ballroom area but further works are proposed. A single-story infill entrance extension would create a new contemporary entrance and meeting area, whilst increasing the existing external decked and seating area along the western elevation would expand the hospitality facilities to the rear overlooking the 18th green.

Plans state: "The refurbishment programme is to improve the whole club facilities and enhance the current golf facility [and] the additional club event venue facility. The company has proposed plans to invest in the upgrading and refurbishment of the main building, bar areas and existing dining provisions, kitchens, toilets, changing facilities. The existing club currently has a restrictive catering food offering for golfers due to the facilities on site.

"This proposal would provide an essential addition to the current entrance and provide a new principal area for members and vastly improve the sporting and recreation demand at the venue. The adjacent building facades [are] to be upgraded to a contemporary and softening design with a timber profiled panelling system mixed with a combination of green wall effect.

"We are proposing a contemporary external area to expand the viewing and seating of the golf club, taking full advantage of the fantastic views to the western side of the golf club."

For two existing storage barns, the plan is to fully refurbish and upgrade the buildings to high standards to create holiday lets - three separate 2-bed, two storey units in one barn and two self contained 2-bed apartments in the other.

Planners will need to assess whether the proposed change of use of the former agricultural buildings represents suitable development within the greenbelt.

The plans also include resurfacing the existing car park and driveway.

Plans conclude: "The whole club house has been thoroughly neglected over the years and the proposed business plan is to create a sustainable business focusing on new membership, and continued events which at the moment is gaining momentum due to the internal upgrading and promotions being carried out for the club and with these essential new a upgraded additions will ensure the longevity of the club and social hub for the surrounding area.

"Our proposals for the Change of use of these buildings will be an crucial enhancement to the existing Golf club amenities to contribute to future growth plan for the club.

"Our proposals will be an essential element of ensuring the longevity of the Golf club and venue securing the future for the existing team of staff and provide new opportunities to expand the personnel as the profile of the club improves and increases."

Grange Park Golf Club website

Images: Grange Park Golf Club

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News: Plans served up for first padel courts in Rotherham

Plans have been set out to bring the fast-growing, fast-paced, social racket sport of padel to Rotherham.

A vacant 33,654 sq ft warehouse would be converted into courts if a change of use application is approved.

Rothbiz reported in May that Top Play Limited, which shares directors with Pocket Sports Bars Ltd and other Eyre family businesses, was assessing the potential introduction of new padel courts at The Grange Golf Club in Kimberworth.

Now attention has been turned to a unit across Rotherham, at Hellaby.

Padel is a form of tennis that originated in Mexico in 1969, grew across South America before making it to Spain. The sport is now rapidly expanding across Europe.

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) says that since 2020 the number of padel courts in Britain grew from 50 to over 800, while annual participation rose from 15,000 in 2019 to 400,000 players in 2025.

Plans from Top Play show how nine padel courts could be created in the building on Sandbeck Way, with one court described as a match court, surrounded by glass and viewing areas.

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The plans also include an ancilliary café / bar for users of the facility with 37 minimum on-site car parking spaces plus an additional 14 car parking spaces for overspill in the adjacent unit.

Applicants state: "The current building was constructed in the 1970s as factory and warehouse usage. A two-story office extension to the front was constructed in the early 1980s.

"The existing building is not viable for the current uses; the size and height is limited to providing the usage this was designed for. There are currently various modern buildings in the vicinity offering much more viable alternatives."

If approved, the courts could provide 12 staff positions.

The proposed opening hours are Monday to Friday 7am - 10pm and Saturdays and Sundays 8am - 9 pm.

A letter of support from the LTA states: "Padel is a highly accessible sport, with players able to quickly reach a level of play where they can enjoy friendly and competitive games. It can make a significant contribution to the development of healthier lifestyles by encouraging people to be more physically active and it also facilitates social interaction and can positively contribution to improved mental health and wellbeing.

"This site will provide the first indoor Padel courts in Rotherham, and this will help ensure that that the local community is able to participate in this fast growing sport throughout the year regardless of the weather. The indoor venue will also create a sporting hub for local people, as has been demonstrated with the evolvement of other indoor Padel centres, and this will provide a facility where the local community can come together socially and keep physically active."

Images: CPP / LTA

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News: Early plans set out to bring padel to Rotherham

Plans could be about to be served up to bring the fast-growing, fast-paced, social racket sport of padel to Rotherham.

A puropse-built facility could breathe new life into a Rotherham golf course..

Padel is a form of tennis that originated in Mexico in 1969, grew across South America before making it to Spain. The sport is now rapidly expanding across Europe.

The LTA says that since 2020 the number of padel courts in Britain grew from 50 to over 800, while annual participation rose from 15,000 in 2019 to 400,000 players in 2025.

Now a pre-application planning enquiry has been made to ascertain Rotherham Council's opinions on the potential introduction of new padel courts at The Grange Golf Club in Kimberworth.

Rothbiz reported last year on new investors coming on board at the former municipal course.

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Top Play Limited, which shares directors with Pocket Sports Bars Ltd and other Eyre family businesses, talked about a significant refurbishment and upgrade to the current facilities.

Padel is played on what looks like a smaller tennis court enclosed by walls made of glass or mesh. It is predominantly played as doubles and suitable for anyone to play as it is easy to learn the basic skills.

Early plans show two options for locating the courts. Four courts could be positioned opposite the club house next to the farm buildings used by the greenkeepers for storage. Alternatively, four courts could be located alongside the access road as it enters the current car park.

Grange Park Golf Club was laid out in the 1970's on former coal workings where the freehold ownership passed to the Council. The course and clubhouse was let to Grange Park Golf Club Limited in 2005.

The leases expired with the tenant having the right to renewal but Rotherham Council were reluctant to sign a new lease as it was owed over £250,000 in rent and business rates.

Grange Park Golf Club website

Images: LTA

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News: New investor chips in at Rotherham golf club

Rotherham Council has approved the signing of a new lease for a former municipal golf course in the borough, and is set to get back over £250,000 in rent and business rates.

Grange Park Golf Club at Kimberworth was laid out in the 1970's on former coal workings where the freehold ownership passed to the Council. The course and clubhouse was let to Grange Park Golf Club Limited in 2005.

The leases have both expired with the tenant having the right to renewal.

A report to Rotherham Council explains: "Grange Park Golf Club Limited has accrued have [sic] significant arrears of rent and business rates totalling more than £250,000 and it is unlikely these monies will be recoverable from the existing business / tenant. Jacob’s collection agency is engaged to manage / recover the rent arrears.

"The leases to Grange Park Golf Club Limited have both expired and the company is holding over in occupation pursuant to those leases. The company has a right to renewal leases and entered into negotiation with the Council as it was unwilling to grant a renewal lease or leases without the arrears being settled."

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With the Council holding out for the money, the company has approached the Council and advised that it has secured an investor to invest in the business.

The report adds that: "This investment will see a significant refurbishment and upgrade to the current facilities. They have provided details of the proposed investment and a programme of when they propose to carry out the works.

"Part of the investment proposal is that all historic / legacy rent and other arrears are cleared in return for the grant of a single new lease on the site to the investor’s company, Top Play Limited."

Top Play shares directors with Pocket Sports Bars Ltd and other Eyre family businesses.

The only other option that the Council considered was to take back the property and put it on the market. This was discounted due to the sums involved in bringing it up to standard, no rent arrears being recovered and no guarantee of a new tenant being found.

Recommended reading: Unveiling the Potential of Rotherham Investment Opportunities

The agreement for the new lease is on the basis that the historic debts are settled at the point the new lease terms are agreed, failure to do so and the lease will not be agreed.

Grange Park Golf Club website

Images: Grange Park Golf Club / Facebook

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