WEST Cork could be soon have its own padel tennis courts as a  planning application has been lodged for a padel court enclosure at Ballyduvane, Clonakilty.

Benjamin Ridgeway is seeking permission for the construction of three padel courts and a clubhouse with male and female changing rooms, a café with a patio area and a drive-through shop.

Planning permission is also being sought for a new carpark with 29 spaces, a new splayed natural stone entrance gate, and a wastewater treatment system.

A hybrid of tennis and squash, this growing sport is attracting new fans on a regular basis and the country’s largest padel tennis facility operates out of Carrigtwohill, and is operated by Padel Tennis Ireland.

Last month, Cork City Council refused Padel Tennis Ireland planning permission to build a large facility with eight padel tennis courts on the Bandon Road N71 near the Dunnes Stores entrance.