Stafford could soon have a new Padel court if planning permission is approved by the borough council.

Located at Stafford Cricket And Hockey Club, Stafford Padel Club is looking to increase its number of courts from three to four.

Padel is a Mexican racket sport, which combines elements of both tennis and squash.

The sport is one of the fastest growing in the world having around 35 million active players globally.

A planning application submitted on behalf of the club to Stafford Borough Council stated: "The proposal is for one additional Padel court, with associated side/rear playing walls, fencing and lighting.

"At present, the applicants provide the only Padel Tennis facilities within the borough" and "are passionate about delivering this high quality sporting addition to the sports club to provide improved/additional Padel Tennis facilities to all members of the community.

"In terms of demand, Padel is already the fastest growing sport in the world, with court provision severely lagging behind.

"It is envisaged that the Padel courts will complement local tennis provision and evidence shows that people playing Padel play in addition to tennis".

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The application also claims that as the sport is typically played in pairs, it offers a great opportunity for people to socialise and feel part of a community.

The suggested location for the new court is on non-sporting land adjacent to the existing courts and between the two cricket pitches.

This would mean no playing field land would be lost.

According to the application, since the existing courts opened last October, they have been used at 73% capacity, meaning "the proposed fourth court is therefore needed to meet the growing demand for this new sport, especially within the borough."

The consultation will open on 30 June.

Read the full application here.