Padel court building at Whittlebury Park Golf And Country Club, Whittlebury

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission, with all matters reserved, for an end-terraced building containing four indoor padel courts and supporting facilities.

“The scheme proposes an outline application (all matters reserved) for an end terraced building to house 4no indoor padel courts, with indoor facilities to include, viewing gallery upstairs and downstairs, lounge and showers, changing rooms, toilets, all of which will be available for members, their guests and employees.”

“Whilst the application has been submitted in outline form, illustrative plans have been submitted which shows an array of rooflights and solar panels to be affixed to the building roof. Roller shutter doors would be installed along both the front and rear elevations to facilitate summer ventilation. At ground floor level, the side elevation would incorporate glazed screens. The proposed external finish would consist of cladding.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is in the southern part of Whittlebury Park, adjoining open countryside, near the driving range and residential apartments.

“‘Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa Golf & Country Club stands in a 500 acre parkland south of Whittlebury village. Whittlebury is situated south of Towcester, and to the east of Silverstone, and the north east of the Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit.”

“The site would be situated in the southern part of Whittlebury Park, adjoining open countryside. The nearest built features would be the driving range and Block 2 of the residential apartments, which lie in closest proximity.”

Officer report

Planning history

The report states that the site has an extensive planning history but gives no further details in the cited paragraphs.

“The site includes an extensive planning history.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers considered the proposal acceptable, with conditions, because its economic and social benefits outweighed limited environmental impacts that could be mitigated.

“The site is located within the open countryside; however, the principle of development for a building within the established Whittlebury Park complex is considered acceptable. The proposal would have an acceptable impact on the local highway network, and Officers are satisfied that a scheme could come forward that would not result in undue harm to the character and appearance of the area or to residential amenity.”

“On balance, the economic and social benefits are considered to outweigh the limited environmental impacts, and the proposal is therefore regarded as sustainable development. Accordingly, approval is recommended, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Consultees raised no objections, Economic Development supported the application, and no public letters of objection or support were received.

“WNC Local Lead Flooding Authority No objection Information provided is satisfactory WNC Sports Leisure and Culture Support Planning proposal fits with the Council's adopted Active Lives Strategy which seeks to encourages residents to be more physically active. WNC Ecology No objection No objection subject to the addition of planning conditions Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust No comments received…”

“There have been no objections or letters of support received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker on behalf of the applicant supported approval but said the public-use restriction in Condition 10 was too onerous and would harm financial viability.

The committee debate

Members proposed approving the application in line with the officer recommendation, but removing Condition 10 so members of the public could use the courts.

“It was proposed by Councillor Christine Ware and seconded by Councillor David Tarbun that application 2026/1120/OUT be approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation, subject to the removal of Condition 10 to enable Whittlebury Park Golf and Country Club to enable the use of the proposed padel court by members of the public.”

“In reaching its decision, the Committee considered the Case Officer’s report and presentation, and the address of the public speaker.”

Minutes

The final decision

Authority was delegated to grant permission, removing Condition 10 while retaining the report’s other conditions and allowing necessary amendments.

“(1) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director – Planning and Development to grant permission to application 2026/1120/OUT subject to:”

“The remaining conditions set out in the Case Officer’s report (and any amendments to those conditions as deemed necessary).”

Minutes