Six-court padel centre at Fishermans Wharf, Shoreham-by-Sea

What was proposed

The application proposed six covered padel courts, changing rooms, a café, retail and reception areas, car parking and cycle parking for five years.

“Proposal: Temporary use of land as padel centre comprising six covered courts with associated changing rooms, cafe/retail/reception area, car and cycle parking.”

“Planning permission is sought for the temporary use (5 years) of the site as a padel centre. The proposal involves the formation of 6no. padel courts (2no. of which will be championship standard) plus reception area, small ancillary shop and cafe and changing rooms. Those ancillary facilities will be located within shipping containers.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 0.4-hectare site forms the western part of a former coal-handling wharf beside Brighton Road, with commercial and residential areas nearby.

“The application site (0.4 hectare) comprises the western part of New Wharf which historically was a coal-handling wharf. In 1983 it became used for handling fish on the east part and for various temporary storage uses on the west part.”

“The site is L-shaped and is on the south side of Brighton Road, opposite Halfords and B and Q. To the east is La Poissonnerie Fishmongers which is within the same ownership. To the west is a storage warehouse operated by Cinch which is undergoing renovation and which recently was granted a 5 year temporary planning permission for self storage units. Further west is the Free Wharf residential development.”

Officer report

Earlier use of the site

The western wharf previously had temporary permission for aggregate and concrete uses, which ceased in 2023.

“The use of the west part of the wharf for the handling, processing and storage of sea-dredged aggregates and concrete-batching with associated plant was originally granted temporary planning permission by WSCC in September 2000, and subsequently renewed until 2023 when the use ceased.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Ward Councillor, the applicant and the agent supported the application and said a three-year permission would make the project unviable.

What members debated

Members considered the temporary recreational benefit, the river path, the canopy’s appearance and limiting on-site parking to players.

“There were 3 registered speakers, the Ward Councillor, the applicant and the agent who all gave representations in support of the application. The speakers explained how a 3 year permission would make the project unviable.”

“During debate Members agreed that the project could provide much needed recreation for a temporary period and thought the permission should be granted for 5 years. The committee also stated that they would like an input on the look of the southside of the canopy and that the on site parking should be for players only.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted unanimously for five-year permission with additional conditions.

“A proposal to grant the permission for a 5 year period and add some additional conditions was put forward, seconded and voted in favour of unanimously.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Permission was granted for five years, subject to drainage confirmation and conditions covering appearance, operations, parking, construction and other matters.

“Decision - Permission granted for a temporary period of 5 years subject to receipt of confirmation from WSP that they have no objections to the proposed surface water drainage scheme. Condition 9 to be amended to require approval of colour and appearance of canopy prior to commencement and an additional condition to require foul drainage details prior to commencement and subject to conditions:-”

“Approved Plans 2. 5 year temporary permission 3. Hours of operation 6am-10pm Monday to Saturday and 8am-6pm on Sundays. All doors and other openings must remain closed at all times, except to allow for access and egress 5. Hours of construction 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am -1pm on Saturdays 6. Construction Management Plan. Car parking 8. Cycle parking 9. Details of colour and appearance of canopy to be approved prior to commencement 10.”

Minutes