It’s with a heavy heart that we share the planning decision from Kingston Council, which has unfortunately refused our application.

The refusal was based on two points:

• The council is concerned that our new facility might affect the activity and overall health of Kingston Town Centre.
• We couldn’t provide enough proof that the unit could not find an “industrial tenant”. Note it has been empty for 3 years.

You can read the full notice, from Kingston Council’s Head of Development Management, Barry John Lomax, here:

FPC Application

While we submitted all the reports requested—including a ‘sequential test’ and a ‘marketing report’ – these did not it seems meet the standards required by the planners.

I would like to thank Jared Franklin, from Franklin ‘our sponsors’, who has supported us from the very beginning.

Though we didn’t succeed this time, Pickleball is still at the start of an exciting journey here in London. Other authorities will surely recognise the need for more dedicated facilities, as the physical, mental, and social benefits of this sport are undeniable.

Neil, Sarah & the Franklin Pickleball Club Team