A former store warehouse is set to be turned into a sporting facility in York.
Plans are in to transform what used to be the Barnitts warehouse at 95 James Street into eight padel courts.
It’s on James Street, close to the Lidl supermarket.
Warehouse location
The application is on behalf of the warehouse owner Northminster Developments Limited.
Planning documents state: “This building is separated into two parts, northern and southern sections.
“The southern section has most recently been occupied by First Bus who utilised the unit as a storage compound for part of their fleet and as a driver training facility.
“The northern section was a warehouse but has been vacant for a number of years. Externally, the building has large canopies covering hardstanding areas on the north and east facades.
“A smaller building, comprising 333 sq m, sits in the north-eastern corner of the site and was last used as an antiques/homeware store.”
Under the plans, eight padel courts would be created at the larger building at the warehouse.
“Changing room and associated facilities will be provided in the smaller building. An ancillary coffee point will be provided with the changing rooms,” planning documents state.
A total of 38 parking spaces, including two accessible bays and five electric charging bays, will be provided.
A report says the facility is predicted to result in an additional 23 vehicle trips during the weekday morning peak period and some 20 vehicle trips during the weekday evening peak period.
“No buildings works are proposed as part of this application. Internal alterations will be carried out in both buildings to create the padel courts and changing rooms,” the application states.
It goes on: “Padel tennis is one of the fastest growing sports in this country and is embracing many players new to active sport.
“There are currently 7 padel courts operating in York. The LTA demand analysis indicates that there is very significant demand to play padel in the area and they believe that the local authority area of York could sustain at least 16 padel courts.”
In 2019, Barnitts proposed to turn its James Street property into a store, but these plans came to nothing.
You can read and comment on the planning application here.
