Pure Padel Announces First Scottish Padel Club in Glasgow
Pure Padel, the UK’s fastest-growing padel club operator, has confirmed plans for its first Scottish padel club in Glasgow, transforming the former Cineworld unit at The Forge Retail Park into a 10-court indoor leisure facility. Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, with hundreds of new courts planned across the country in response to rising demand.
Calton Planning and Development supported the project by advising on planning strategy and a Certificate of Lawfulness (CLEUDS) application, ensuring the proposed padel club fell within Class 11 leisure use and could be delivered without planning restrictions.
Transforming the Former Cineworld at The Forge Retail Park
Calton Planning and Development was delighted to support Pure Padel in securing a home for their first Scottish venture. As part of the process, Calton liaised with the Council to review the planning history of the former Cineworld unit and confirmed that indoor padel falls within Class 11 Leisure Use.
However, due to the historic planning background and permissions associated with the site, there were some gaps in the audit trail. Calton therefore advised that the submission of a Certificate of Lawfulness (CLEUDS) would ensure the planning position was formally confirmed.
Securing a Certificate of Lawfulness (CLEUDS)
The submission of a Certificate of Lawfulness of Existing Use or Development (CLEUDS) enabled the planning history of the building to be formally clarified. This process confirmed the Class 11 leisure use of the site and ensured there were no restrictive conditions that could prevent the conversion of the space from a cinema to an indoor padel facility. This approach ensured the development could proceed with planning certainty, demonstrating how early planning consultancy advice for leisure developments can streamline the delivery of new sports and recreation facilities.
The Certificate was subsequently granted by the Council, clearing the way for the delivery of a state-of-the-art padel venue in Glasgow.
Inside the New Pure Padel Glasgow Club
The new club will feature:
- 10 indoor padel courts, including a competition court
- Food and beverage areas
- Social spaces for players and visitors
- Fully equipped changing facilities
Together, these elements will create a vibrant leisure destination for both casual players and competitive events, further supporting the growth of padel in Scotland.
Planning Considerations for CLEUDS
From a planning perspective, the project also highlights an important consideration for similar large-scale leisure developments.
Where floor space is substantial, CLEUDS applications can attract significant fees based on floor area. While CLEUDS are often viewed as a straightforward mechanism to formalise an audit trail and secure a definitive planning position, the associated fee can be considerable and, in some cases, equivalent to that of a full planning application.
This is an important takeaway for any planning consultant or agent when advising clients, particularly where CLEUDS may appear to be the simplest route forward but can carry application fees comparable to a detailed planning application.
The Cost Debate Around CLEUD Applications
This issue is also of concern for Local Authorities and the Scottish Government. When a CLEUD application fee is equivalent to that of a full planning application, it implies that a similar amount of officer time would be required to determine the case.
In practice, however, a CLEUD application is a factual planning decision that can often be determined efficiently with relatively limited administrative input, compared to the detailed planning judgement and assessment required for full planning applications.
As a company, Calton intends to raise this matter with Local Authority members and the Scottish Government through the relevant development forums it attends.
Supporting the Evolution of The Forge Shopping Centre
The arrival of Pure Padel represents an important step in the continued evolution of The Forge Shopping Centre as a multi-purpose retail and leisure destination.
The project also demonstrates how strategic planning advice and CLEUDS applications can unlock the reuse of large commercial units for new leisure uses.
Calton Planning and Development is delighted to have supported the delivery of Pure Padel’s first Scottish club and looks forward to seeing the venue become a major destination for padel in Scotland.
FAQs: CLEUDS and Leisure Planning
A Certificate of Lawfulness of Existing Use or Development (CLEUDS) confirms that a use or development is lawful under planning legislation without requiring full planning permission.
Padel courts are fall under Class 11 in Scotland. Class 11 (Assembly and Leisure) covers cinemas, concert halls, bingo halls or casinos, dance halls, as well as swimming baths and gyms for indoor or outdoor sports. Therefore, subject to planning permission and whether there are any restrictive conditions present tied to specific use, padel can be brought forward at these venues without the need for a change of use planning application.
If a Class 11 use is not already present on site, then, in most cases, a full detailed planning application either to change the use or develop the site will be required.
Planning and CLEUDS Enquiries
For any leisure or CLEUDS application enquiries, please contact Emily Bates.
For all other planning-related enquiries, please contact the team at Calton Planning and Development.