Council planners in Caerphilly have given the green light to a new padel business in Cwmcarn.

The racquet sport combines elements of squash and tennis, and in recent years has grown in popularity across the UK.

Applicant Oliver Mason told Caerphilly County Borough Council he wanted to set up a “hub of activity and wellbeing” in a unit at the Chapel Farm Industrial Estate.

The empty unit will include four padel courts, according to the application.

Council officers noted “initial concerns over the level of parking” at the site, and recommended planning conditions that would prevent the unit being later converted into a use – such as a gym – that would likely attract a greater parking demand.

They also requested the applicant complete a noise assessment before the new venture begins.

Officers granted planning permission subject to conditions, including that the unit must only be used for padel courts, and that its opening hours are limited to between 6am and 9.30pm on weekdays and between 9am and 4pm on weekends.