Professional player Frankie Langan plans padel complex next to Bishop’s Stortford Football Club
Plans for a padel court complex and clubhouse next to Bishop’s Stortford Football Club have been submitted to East Herts Council.
Professional player Francis “Frankie” Langan, 31, a former UK number 1 now ranked seventh, and Keith Langan, 62, who is number 1 in the Lawn Tennis Association rankings for his age, are behind the proposals.
As Bishop’s Stortford Padel Club, they want to create a competition-standard padel court, built to international regulations, enclosed with glass and mesh fencing, with spectator seating.
There are also plans for seven standard padel courts for public use and training.
The single-storey clubhouse would include a reception, changing rooms, a small café and a shop.
The scheme also includes outdoor seating and landscaping on the site, which is currently covered in Tarmac.
Access would be from Dunmow Road, with designated pedestrian walkways, car parking, bicycle racks and entry points for wheelchair users and people with impaired mobility.
LED lighting is planned throughout the facility to minimise electricity use, and solar panels have been integrated into the clubhouse design. A rainwater harvesting system is also included.
The Langans’ agents, Collins & Coward, told East Herts Council: “The proposed padel court complex and clubhouse represent a valuable enhancement to the sports infrastructure of Bishop’s Stortford.
“The design prioritises accessibility, sustainability and community engagement, aligning with local planning objectives.
“The development is well conceived, environmentally responsible and designed to deliver long-term benefits to the local community and the broader sporting landscape.
“We believe this facility will make a positive contribution to the town’s sports culture and economy, providing a modern and inclusive environment for padel enthusiasts of all skill levels.”
A small part of the site sits inside the Essex border. Uttlesford District Council made no objection to the scheme.
Padel is an increasingly popular racket sport, typically played in doubles on an enclosed court which is slightly smaller than a tennis doubles court.
It is set to become an Olympic sport, with high hopes that it will feature in the 2032 Games to be held in Brisbane.
The Langans have pledged to set up a youth facility and cater for those with disabilities.
A supporting statement to East Herts Council says: “The sport is multi-generational and those in their latter years are encouraged to participate.
“The facility will operate seven days a week most days of the year. It will open early, at 7am, to cater for those who wish to play before going to work or school and is anticipated to stay open until midnight.”
According to his LTA Tennis for Britain profile, Frankie Langan was born in Barking and brought up in Spain, where he was introduced to padel at the age of seven. He has competed at the world championships. He also coaches.
Keith Langan is the only director of Padel Unites People Ltd, listed with Companies House in January this year.
In March last year, Bishop’s Stortford Lawn Tennis & Padel Club opened two new canopied padel courts at Cricketfield Lane in response to the sport’s growing popularity.
