A Shirley hotel's plan to build new padel courts for its guests and the wider community has moved a step closer to coming to fruition.

The Regency Hotel originally applied to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) for three padel courts last December.

Padel, a combination of tennis and squash, is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and as the Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported the Stratford Road-based hotel is keen to take advantage of its growing popularity.

A planning statement included in the original application said: "The proposed padel courts are intended to provide a high quality, inclusive sporting facility for recreational play for players of all ages and abilities.

"The courts will be available for use by all visitors with flexible booking options and will serve as a venue for the promotion of physical activity and wellbeing.

"The proposed site comprises two semi-covered and one uncovered padel courts, cycle parking, a prefabricated modular coach hut, and pergola structures with outdoor seating areas.

"The facility will be located within the curtilage of the existing hotel occupying an underutilised section of the northern car park.

"The proposed development seeks to provide a modern and accessible venue for sport and recreational play, catering to hotel guests and the wider Solihull community."

Padel courts elsewhere nationally have attracted noise complaints from neighbours.

But the applicant stressed: "The proposed courts feature glass walls, which will help contain sound.

"Additionally, the use of synthetic turf has been chosen to absorb the impact of balls and footsteps – further reducing the potential for noise."

Planning agents Claremont Planning argued there is a "shortfall" in the borough for the courts so the proposal would "help meet local demand and promote active lifestyles".

Planning permission was granted by officer Mark Andrews, SMBC's head of planning, design and engagement services in April.

This is subject to conditions and, on July 7, the latest application to formally 'discharge' condition four (Construction Method Statement) was signed off by the officer.