Plans to expand and redevelop padel courts at a sports club in Cheltenham have been revealed.

East Gloucestershire Club wants to asphalt over one of its grass tennis courts and create four additional floodlit padel courts due to growing demand for the newer sport.

It also wants permission from Cheltenham Borough Council to install a fabric canopy over three existing padel courts, to make them all-weather friendly.

Darren Morris from the club submitted an application for the work which was validated by the council on Friday (Aug 31).

If approved, the grass tennis court would be replaced with a stone base, porous asphalt layer and then covered with an artificial playing surface.

The existing courts would be covered by a steel frame and green fabric canopy. It would be open at ground floor level to allow for air circulation. The courts would be protected from the elements because of existing glazed barriers and fencing.

A statement by Zesta Planning Ltd on behalf of the applicant said: "The padel facility has become incredibly popular with both club members and the general public, as there is no need to be a member of the club to play.

"The popularity has resulted in a lack of availability for available slots for members and non-members alike, and therefore there is an urgent need for additional capacity and further court space.

"Furthermore, the courts cannot be actively used during inclement weather and therefore a fabric canopy is proposed to allow year-round use on the existing courts. It is important to ensure indoor and outdoor options are available to participants. This will further increase participation in this fast growing sport."

Formed in 1883 as a cricket club, East Glos Club has evolved into a regional racquet sports club used by circa 2,000 people

Padel was introduced in 2021 to encourage more young people and families to use the facility.

The sport, which combines elements of squash and tennis, has been growing in popularity in recent years.

Earlier this year Punchline revealed a £1million nine court padel club  was being planned for Gloucester Quays Retail Park.

East Glos Club said its courts have been running at near full capacity in the 3.5 years since their installation.

A statement by the club said: "New players have been attracted to the club through the pay and play offer on the padel courts and the club's membership has been increased, through the introduction of a single 'racquets' sport membership which covers tennis, squash and Padel, and saves money for any regular player.

"Such has been the take up that the club that players and members started requesting more playing capacity for padel as it has become increasingly difficult to book a court such is the popularity of the sport in Cheltenham."

The application 24/01435/FUL can be viewed on the council's planning portal. A decision is expected by October 26