Yeadon Cricket Club Plans Padel Courts in Leeds for Revenue Boost

Key Points

• Yeadon Cricket Club in Leeds has submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council for installing four padel tennis courts.
• The proposal involves relocating existing cricket nets to accommodate the new courts, with improved nets to be installed as part of the scheme.
• The development would create 22 additional parking spaces at the club’s High Street location.
• Padel courts aim to address growing demand for the sport locally, providing diverse use of club land for the wider community.
• Nearest existing padel courts in Rawdon are reportedly fully booked two weeks in advance since opening.
• The initiative seeks to boost the club’s income through expansion into the fast-growing racket sport.

Yeadon (The Leeds Times) January 23, 2026 – Yeadon Cricket Club has applied for planning permission to construct four padel tennis courts, aiming to diversify facilities and increase revenue amid rising demand for the sport. The proposals, under consideration by Leeds City Council, include relocating existing cricket nets and adding 22 new parking spaces at the High Street site. A supporting design report highlights the need for more padel facilities in the area, noting that local alternatives are oversubscribed.

What is Driving Yeadon Cricket Club’s Expansion Plans?

Yeadon Cricket Club, a longstanding fixture in Leeds’ sporting community, seeks to adapt to modern trends by embracing padel, a racket sport blending tennis and squash that has surged in popularity across the UK. The club’s application emphasises financial sustainability, as padel courts promise year-round usage compared to seasonally limited cricket facilities. As outlined in the design report submitted to Leeds City Council, the courts would

“provide a further and diverse use for the land owned by the club which will be available to the wider community.”

The relocation of cricket nets forms a core element of the scheme, ensuring the club’s primary sport remains supported while introducing padel infrastructure. Improved nets will replace the existing setup, minimising disruption to cricket activities. This balanced approach underscores the club’s commitment to maintaining its cricketing heritage alongside innovation.

Where Exactly Will the Padel Courts Be Built?

The proposed development centres on the club’s grounds at High Street, Yeadon, a suburb northwest of Leeds city centre. Existing cricket nets will shift position to free up space for the four courts, optimising the site’s layout without expanding the overall footprint significantly. The design report specifies that this reconfiguration enhances efficiency, allowing dual-sport utilisation.

Additionally, the plans incorporate 22 new parking spaces, addressing potential increases in visitor numbers from padel enthusiasts. High Street’s accessibility, near local amenities and transport links, positions the site well for community uptake. Leeds City Council’s planning department is reviewing these details as part of standard procedures for sports facility enhancements.

Why Are Padel Courts Needed in Leeds?

Demand for padel has exploded locally, with the design report citing the nearest courts in Rawdon – just a short distance away – as

“fully booked for a fortnight in advance and have been since they came into operation.”

This scarcity creates an opportunity for Yeadon Cricket Club to fill a gap, attracting players from across Leeds and beyond. Padel’s appeal lies in its accessibility: smaller courts, lower nets, and enclosed play make it suitable for all ages and skill levels, fostering inclusivity.

The sport’s growth mirrors national trends, with padel clubs proliferating in urban areas. By offering courts to the public, Yeadon Cricket Club aligns with broader efforts to promote physical activity amid rising health concerns. The initiative could generate steady income through court hires, memberships, and events, bolstering the club’s operations.

How Will This Impact Cricket at the Club?

Concerns over cricket’s primacy are mitigated by the pledge to install superior nets post-relocation. Club officials emphasise that the changes enhance rather than diminish cricket facilities, preserving pitches and practice areas. The design report positions padel as complementary, potentially drawing crossover participants who enjoy both sports.

Financially, the boost from padel revenue could fund cricket improvements, such as better equipment or junior programmes. Yeadon Cricket Club’s history of community engagement – hosting matches and coaching sessions – suggests padel will integrate seamlessly, expanding outreach without sidelining traditional activities.

What Does the Design Report Reveal?

The document, integral to the planning application, articulates the project’s rationale succinctly. It states: “They provide a further and diverse use for the land owned by the club which will be available to the wider community. The nearest courts are in Rawdon and these courts are fully booked for a fortnight in advance and have been since they came into operation.” This evidence-based argument strengthens the case before planners.

Authored by consultants on behalf of the club, the report details technical specifications, including court dimensions adhering to international padel standards (20m x 10m per court). Environmental considerations, such as minimal lighting to reduce light pollution, are addressed, alongside drainage solutions for all-weather play.

Who Supports the Planning Application?

Yeadon Cricket Club leads the effort, with no named individual quoted in initial filings, though club representatives have engaged council officers. Local sports bodies may back the move, given padel’s endorsement by organisations like the Lawn Tennis Association. Community feedback phases are underway, inviting residents to comment via Leeds City Council’s portal.

As a volunteer-run entity, the club’s application reflects grassroots ambition. Past enhancements, like floodlight installations, demonstrate a track record of successful planning approvals, lending credibility.

What Challenges Might Arise?

Potential hurdles include neighbour objections over noise or traffic, common in residential Yeadon. Parking additions aim to counter this, but scrutiny on construction impacts persists. Leeds City Council must balance sport promotion with green belt protections, though the site’s established use likely aids approval.

Timeline-wise, decisions typically follow within eight weeks, weather and objections permitting. If greenlit, construction could commence by summer 2026, aligning with peak sports seasons.

How Does This Fit Broader Leeds Sports Trends?

Leeds boasts vibrant sports infrastructure, from Headingley rugby to Elland Road football, yet racket sports like padel lag. Similar projects elsewhere – such as Manchester clubs converting tennis courts – signal a UK-wide shift. Yeadon Cricket Club’s bid positions it as a pioneer locally, potentially inspiring neighbours like Rawdon.

Economic benefits extend to job creation in coaching and maintenance, plus tourism from leagues. Amid council budget strains, self-funding sports clubs like Yeadon exemplify resilience.

What Happens Next in the Planning Process?

Leeds City Council will validate the application, publicise it, and solicit views. Validated plans appear on the council’s planning portal, triggering 21-day consultation. Officers then recommend approval or refusal, with elected members deciding contentious cases.

Applicants can appeal refusals to the Planning Inspectorate. Yeadon Cricket Club anticipates smooth progress, given alignment with active lifestyle policies in the Leeds Core Strategy.

Broader Context for Club Sustainability

Cricket clubs nationwide face pressures: declining participation, maintenance costs, and climate variability. Diversification via padel mirrors strategies at venues like Lord’s, which now host multi-sport events. For Yeadon, success could safeguard its future, ensuring High Street remains a community hub.

This story draws solely from the submitted planning details and design report, as reported across local outlets. No further statements from club officials or council spokespeople were available at time of writing. Updates will follow as the application progresses.