Golf Seeks Padel Approval,Altriincham 2026

Key Points

• Trafford Leisure CIC, running Altrincham Golf Club for Trafford Council, submitted plans for two standard-sized padel courts (20m x 10m each) on unused land south of the driving range, currently for equipment storage.​
• Courts to be prefabricated galvanised steel frames in muted green, with rebound glass panels, synthetic turf, and LED floodlights up to 6m tall, using existing 30-space car park and adding secure cycle parking.​
• Application by CV Planning describes it as filling gap in public padel access in Trafford, unlike private venues at Hale Country Club and Dunham Forest Golf Club.​
• Lower entry prices aimed at residents unable to afford private clubs; draft timetable includes sessions for schools, over-65s, impaired users, coaching, and camps.​
• Revenue to reinvest in Trafford Leisure operations, including golf club upkeep.​
• Site in Green Belt; statement claims “appropriate development” for outdoor sport per national policy.​
• Padel players in England surged 8x from 15,000 (2021) to 129,000 (2023); Lawn Tennis Association targets 400,000 players, 1,000 courts by 2026.​
• Reference: 118585/FUL/26; comments via Trafford Council portal.​

Altrincham (Manchester Mirror) March 19, 2026-Plans have been lodged to introduce two publicly accessible padel courts at Altrincham Golf Club, Trafford’s sole municipal golf course, marking the first such facility there. Trafford Leisure CIC, wholly owned by Trafford Council, seeks to repurpose surplus land for this fast-growing racket sport amid surging national demand. The application, registered as 118585/FUL/26, promises affordable access contrasting with private options in the borough.​

What Are the Plans for Padel Courts at Altrincham Golf Club?

The proposals target a patch of unused land south of the driving range, presently used for storing golf course equipment. As detailed in the application prepared by CV Planning on behalf of Trafford Leisure CIC, the development features two standard-sized courts measuring 20 metres by 10 metres each. These will use prefabricated galvanised steel frames finished in muted green to harmonise with the golf course surroundings.​

The courts incorporate rebound glass panels and professional synthetic turf surfaces for play. Downward-facing LED floodlights on columns reaching six metres will enable evening use. Players will access the site via the existing car park with about 30 spaces serving the driving range and golf shop, supplemented by secure cycle parking.​

Why Is Trafford Leisure CIC Proposing These Padel Courts?

Trafford Leisure CIC, operating independently despite full ownership by Trafford Council, views the courts as a means to address underserved public padel provision in Trafford. As reported in the Altrincham Today News article, all current borough facilities—like those at Hale Country Club and Dunham Forest Golf Club—cater to private members or commercial users with higher fees. The new courts aim to lower barriers for local residents unable to join such clubs.​

A draft timetable outlines inclusive sessions: dedicated times for local schools, over-65s, and physically impaired users, alongside public coaching and summer camps. Revenue from bookings will fund broader Trafford Leisure operations, explicitly including maintenance of Altrincham Golf Club itself. This reinvestment supports the venue’s long-term viability.​

What Challenges Do the Plans Face in the Green Belt?

The site lies within the Green Belt, subjecting the application to rigorous planner scrutiny. The supporting planning statement, submitted with the application, asserts the proposals qualify as “appropriate development” under national planning policy for outdoor sport and recreation on an established leisure site. It argues the project preserves Green Belt openness while enhancing recreational offerings.​

Residents can review full documents and submit comments through Trafford Council’s online planning portal under reference 118585/FUL/26. No public objections or supports have been detailed in initial coverage, but Green Belt status often draws attention from environmental groups and locals concerned about landscape impact. Similar past applications, such as at Dunham Forest Golf Club (111026/FUL/23), faced debates over openness despite officer recommendations to grant.

How Has Padel’s Popularity Driven This Development?

The initiative aligns with padel’s explosive growth in England. Figures cited in the planning statement show player numbers rising over eightfold from 15,000 in 2021 to 129,000 in 2023. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), padel’s governing body, aims to expand to 400,000 players and 1,000 courts by 2026—from just 350 currently.​

This national trend mirrors local surges, with Trafford seeing new venues like The Padel Club at TraffordCity and others at Hale Country Club. Dunham Forest Golf Club already operates two public-bookable courts via Playtomic, priced at £40 per hour, open year-round with LED lighting overlooking the course. Altrincham Golf Club’s public, affordable model fits the LTA’s growth push.

What Are Existing Padel Options in Trafford?

Current facilities remain limited and exclusive. Hale Country Club offers outdoor, covered, and indoor courts, though specifics on public access vary. Dunham Forest Golf Club’s two high-spec courts, built recently, welcome public bookings but as a private club. No municipal options existed until this proposal.

Broader Trafford developments include approved £2.5m complexes like The Padel Club near Chill Factore with 11 courts (nine covered, two open-air) plus a clubhouse—part of Peel Waters’ regeneration. Padel Central in Partington launched in 2025 with panoramic courts. These underscore demand but highlight the gap for low-cost public play that Altrincham aims to fill.

Who Oversees Altrincham Golf Club and the Application?

Altrincham Golf Club serves as Trafford’s only council-run course, managed by Trafford Leisure CIC on behalf of Trafford Council. CV Planning handled the submission. The application references national policies and LTA data to bolster its case. No named journalists beyond the Altrincham Today News report, but council officers will decide post-consultation.​

When Can Residents Comment on the Padel Plans?

The application, logged as 118585/FUL/26, invites public input via Trafford Council’s planning portal. Documents include design details, Green Belt justification, and inclusivity plans. Comments remain open as of March 18, 2026; standard periods allow 21 days from validation, urging prompt resident engagement.​

What Does This Mean for Local Sports Access?

If approved, the courts could debut public padel at a municipal site, promoting inclusivity for schools, seniors, and disabled players. Amid padel’s rise—blending tennis and squash with underarm serves—this enhances Trafford’s leisure portfolio. Revenue recycling promises sustained golf upkeep, balancing tradition with innovation. Critics may question Green Belt precedent, but proponents cite policy alignment.

This development positions Altrincham Golf Club as a forward-thinking venue. Similar Green Belt bids, like Dunham Forest’s granted courts despite initial “inappropriate” tags via “very special circumstances,” suggest viability. Trafford Leisure’s focus on affordability differentiates it, potentially setting a model for other councils.