Shropshire Council Refuses Permission for Pickleball Courts Conversion Due to Traffic Concerns
Shropshire Council Rejects Pickleball Court Plans Due to Traffic Concerns
Shropshire based Pickleball Central UK’s plans to convert a former agricultural building into pickleball courts on Lower Cound Farm have been rejected by Shropshire Council due to concerns over traffic impact.
The company had hoped to create two new courts for coaching sessions, citing the over-subscribed facilities at Shrewsbury Sports Village as a hindrance to their top-class members’ training for international tournaments. However, the council refused permission for the scheme, stating that the increase in traffic from cars turning onto the site would disrupt the flow of traffic on the busy A458.
A planning statement submitted with the application outlined the need for the new courts to accommodate elite members and provide more intimate coaching sessions. The company assured that the facility would be for members only and not open to the wider public. They argued that the proposed traffic movements would be minimal and occur outside of peak hours, posing no threat to the safety of the surrounding highway network.
Despite Pickleball Central UK’s arguments, Shropshire Council’s highways team disagreed, expressing concerns over the intensification of traffic on the existing single track drive leading to the site. They highlighted the restricted visibility from the site access and the potential for increased turning traffic on the A458, which could compromise the safe movement of vehicles on the principal road.
In their refusal notice, the council emphasized the risks associated with allowing the development to proceed, stating that it could lead to negative transport and highways impacts. The decision to reject the plans underscores the council’s commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of the local road network.
Pickleball Central UK may now need to reconsider their plans or seek alternative solutions to address the council’s concerns before proceeding with their proposed pickleball courts on Lower Cound Farm.
