GraceMachin Planning & Property is delighted to have secured planning approval for a new Padel Tennis facility in Bottesford, granted on 7 January 2026 on behalf of the Norris family.
The approved development will deliver a much-needed leisure facility for Bottesford and the wider Vale of Belvoir, meeting growing demand for padel — one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports. The scheme includes three covered courts, a reception area, coffee shop and supporting facilities, bringing padel closer to home for local players.
Arial Visual of Bottesford Padel Facility. Credit: cpmg-architects.com
Overcoming Planning Challenges
The application was not without its challenges. Key planning considerations included bringing forward a leisure use on land identified for employment purposes, carefully balancing highway safety, designing an appropriate access and drainage strategy, and identifying suitable on-site provision for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
Through a proactive and collaborative approach, GraceMachin successfully addressed these issues, resulting in a positive recommendation and approval.
Despite the complexities, the proposal received strong local support, with 35 letters of support submitted by residents of Bottesford and the surrounding Vale of Belvoir — demonstrating clear community demand for the facility.
One local resident commented:
“It’s a wonderful idea to provide more sporting facilities to a growing village like Bottesford. Being a regular padel player, along with others from the village who currently have to travel to Newark to play, this would be far more convenient. Padel is a game for all ages and would be of great benefit to the local population, both physically and mentally.”
Nick Grace, Partner at GraceMachin Planning & Property, commented:
“This approval is a great success for the local community and fills a clear gap in the padel market around Grantham and the Vale of Belvoir. While the application presented a number of challenges, prioritising a leisure use, securing on-site biodiversity net gain and addressing access and highway matters were key. The strong local support demonstrated just how valuable this facility will be for Bottesford.”
Andy Smith commented on behalf of The Norris Family:
“We are delighted to have gained approval for our padel facility in Bottesford. GraceMachin has been instrumental in leading and driving the application forward. Once our Biodiversity Gain Plan is approved, development will commence, and we are hopeful that by the end of the summer we will be playing padel in Bottesford!”
Visual of Bottesford Padel Facility from Orston Lane. Credit: cpmg-architects.com
About GraceMachin Planning & Property
GraceMachin Planning & Property is a specialist planning consultancy with a reputation for delivering complex planning permissions across the Midlands and beyond. With a pragmatic and client-focused approach, GraceMachin delivers planning success across sectors including sport, leisure, residential, agricultural and commercial.
To learn more or discuss upcoming projects, call us on 0115 958 2322.
