On August 5, Lewes District Council’s planning committee green lit proposals to build a five-court padel facility on part of a site used as a HGV driver training centre. Committee members heard from Paul Lewis, a representative of Plumpton Racecourse, who backed the proposal, submitted by Hurstwood Sports Group Ltd, saying it would support the long-term viability of the racecourse. He said: “This proposal is about much more than padel. Plumpton Racecourse is an important employer and community asset and has been for over 140 years. Councillors agreed to amend this to allow from 8am and 10pm Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 10pm on Sundays.