Plans submitted for indoor padel courts at Barnsley business park
The attraction could open at the Darton Business Park - if plans are approved
A planning application has been lodged to convert an empty industrial unit in Darton into a new indoor padel tennis centre.
The proposal, submitted to Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council by Top Play Enterprises Ltd, seeks permission to change the use of Units 11 and 12 at Darton Business Park on Barnsley Road from Class B8 storage to Class E(d), covering indoor sport and recreation.
According to the applicant’s documents, the units have been vacant since summer 2025 after the previous occupier relocated to a site near Junction 37 of the M1 to expand. The applicant says the buildings have been marketed for more than two years with “limited demand” for storage or distribution use.
If approved, the development would include five full-size indoor padel courts, changing rooms, male and female toilets and upgraded lighting, with no changes proposed to the exterior of the building. An ancillary café and bar offering light refreshments and merchandise for players is also planned.
The applicant states that there is “adequate” car parking on the site, with proposals increasing the number of spaces from 70 to 97. No alterations are planned to the site’s landscaping, and access to the building would remain level.
The planning statement argues that the scheme meets Barnsley Council’s Local Plan policies by bringing a long-vacant unit back into use, supporting local employment, and contributing to the Barnsley 2030 vision for healthier and more active communities. Up to four full-time staff, a site manager, two padel coaches and two part-time cleaners would be employed.
The document notes that several other units on the business park have previously been granted permission for change of use, and describes local transport links as “good and reliable”, with pedestrian access and nearby bus services.
The application concludes that the proposal would provide community, health and economic benefits, stating: “The development will deliver significant community benefits, support economic diversification and make effective use of a vacant site.”
Residents can comment on the plans until November 26.