Totton could become home to a new padel centre as plans to transform an empty industrial unit have been submitted.

New Forest Padel has applied for the change of use of a vacant warehouse in South Hampshire Industrial Park on Stephenson Road.

The organisation, which is a "new venture" according to documents, has been set up due to the rising popularity of the Mexican racket sport in the UK.

New Forest Padel aims to install three indoor padel courts which will be accessible to the public "for the purposes of recreational pursuits".

The facility will also offer changing and showering facilities, refreshments, and plans look to offer "provision" for on-site sports coaching.

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The courts, featuring glass or mesh panels at the ends and sides, will have an artificial grass playing surface and will be illuminated with modern LED lighting.

The building’s mezzanine floor will be converted into a social space, allowing spectators to view the games and providing a waiting area for players.

Padel shares the same scoring system as tennis but the court has walls and balls can be played off them like in squash.

Solid, stringless rackets are used in the sport but the height of the ball must always be served at or below the waist level.