Tavistock padel plans gain momentum as Mount Kelly sets out community focus
Mount Kelly headmaster Guy Ayling spoke to The Moorlander about fresh details about its proposed padel courts in Tavistock, including community access, funding, and the timeline for planning and construction
Mount Kelly says its proposed four-court padel development in Tavistock could be open by next summer if planning permission is granted.
The Moorlander met with headmaster Guy Ayling, who outlined the reasoning behind the project and responded to questions about community access, funding and the next steps in the planning process.
"Padel is the fastest-growing sport in the world and we saw an opportunity to jump on that," Mr Ayling said.
The development would see four covered padel courts built on land between the existing multi-use games area and astro pitch, adjacent to the A386.
"It ticked a load of boxes for us," Mr Ayling said. "It improves provision for pupils, becomes a community asset and helps diversify our income streams."
Mount Kelly says around 90 per cent of court usage would be allocated to the public, with the school using the facility for approximately eight hours each week.
As an example of how its facilities are shared, Mr Ayling pointed to the Mount Kelly Swim Centre.
"Our swimming pool has a footfall of 78,000. It is around 60 per cent public use while also supporting our 180 high-performance swimmers," he said.
The project would be privately funded through a lease arrangement with operator Padel X, which is affiliated with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).
Mount Kelly has been exploring the idea for around 18 months, with much of that time spent working through legal agreements.
"We were deciding how best to diversify income and needed the support of both the community and the planning process," Mr Ayling said.
If approved, the courts are hoped to operate year-round and in all weather conditions, with opening hours proposed from 7am to 10pm.
Parking would be provided at the existing multi-use games area, which would be resurfaced as part of the agreement. Changing facilities would also be available.
Mount Kelly held a public consultation on the plans at the Bedford Hotel on June 30, with feedback described as ‘very, very positive’.
A planning application is expected to be submitted at the end of the public consultation next week, and will include a detailed assessment on issues such as noise and lighting
Mount Kelly hopes planning permission could be secured by the autumn.
If approved, construction could begin in January, with the courts completed in time for summer 2027.
The scheme forms part of the school's wider strategy to centralise its sports facilities.
Mr Ayling also highlighted the existing hockey facility partnership with Tavistock Hockey Club as an example of how the school's sporting infrastructure is shared with the wider community.