Plans to build six covered padel courts at Ilkeston Town Football Club have been approved by councillors at an Erewash Borough Council planning committee.
The development will take place at the New Manor Ground on Awsworth Road, bringing a new racket sport facility to the football club site.
What the plans include
The approved scheme will see six purpose-built padel courts constructed within the club grounds, each enclosed by glass and mesh walls typical of the sport.
The courts will have a retractable roof, allowing them to be used throughout the year in a wider range of weather conditions.
Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash and has grown rapidly in popularity in recent years.
Part of wider ambitions for the site
The development forms part of plans to expand the range of activities available at the New Manor Ground.
Supporters of the project say the courts could help bring more visitors and activity to the site beyond football matchdays, while offering another sporting option for the local community.
What happens next
With planning permission now granted, the project can now move forward to the construction stage. A timeline for when the courts could open has not yet been confirmed.