An appeal has been launched by a farming family who were refused permission to create indoor padel courts on a field to help diversify their business.
WM Logan, who represent the family who have owned Athelstaneford Mains Farm, in East Lothian, had their plans to build a shed containing two padel tennis courts rejected because planners said they did not represent a leisure “directly related to agriculture, horticulture, forestry, infrastructure or countryside recreation”.
However they are appealing the decision arguing it does represent an acceptable change for the farm and that the new facility will benefit the health of residents in surrounding communities.
The family says diversifying the farm, which is a working arable farm which they have owned since the 1930s will support its viability.
In a supporting statement to East Lothian Council’s Local Review Body, they say: “As part of a long-term strategy to ensure the continued viability of the farm, the proposal seeks to diversify into the provision of leisure and fitness facilities that will deliver clear benefits for the residents of East Lothian.
“Athelstaneford village is centrally located within East Lothian, providing convenient access for surrounding rural communities.
“The site is well positioned to serve a wide catchment area, with more than 15 towns and villages located within a 20-kilometre radius, including Dunbar, Prestonpans, Gifford, and North Berwick.
“This project aims to promote health, well-being, social interaction and community participation, providing accessible opportunities in a rural location.”
Padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. It is a discipline of tennis which is easy to learn and popular with all age groups and abilities.
The supporting statement says the planned courts seek to meet a “growing demand for high quality indoor padel tennis facilities in the East Lothian area and increases the overall leisure opportunities on offer to the local community”.
It adds: “The proposed padel and fitness facility represents a sustainable and future-focused diversification of an existing East Lothian farm, making effective use of existing agricultural infrastructure to deliver a long-term
income stream and a valuable community asset.”
The appeal will be heard by the review body in September.
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
