A planning application has been submitted for major changes at a popular Hatfield gym, including a new spa area and padel courts.
David Lloyd Leisure has put forward proposals to build a spa garden and convert three tennis courts to create two padel courts at their Listed Hangar site in Mosquito Way.
According to the application, plans for the spa expansion have been submitted due to customer demand, and that the outdoor space will be linked to the indoor facility.
"The club currently has a limited internal spa offering and no outdoor spa facilities, and there have been considerable requests for an increase in these facilities from club members," the plans read.
"It is proposed to form an extension to expand the internal spa facilities and lead onto a new outdoor spa facility.
"The new spa extension has been designed to flow from existing facilities to utilise the space in an efficient manner to meet the clients accommodation brief."
The padel court area is being proposed due to the sport's increasing popularity, with millions across Europe taking up the sport in recent years.
The courts will replace existing tennis courts on the site, and will see a dome roof cover built to allow them to be used all year round.
David Lloyd Leisure were also keen to address that the changes "will not have a harmful impact" on the Grade II-listed building, which was used as The Flight Test Hangar by the de Havilland Aircraft Company and was once the world’s largest permanent aluminium structure.
"The proposed works involves the partial demolition of an existing single storey extension to the listed building, which completed constructed in 1956," the plans read.
"Other works will include intrusions into the existing floor slab to allow for new foundations, pool tanks, drainage and filtration pipework.
"The remainder of the proposed works are mostly cosmetic and relatively minor in nature, with the effect on the character and historic fabric of the building considered to be negligible.
"Notwithstanding this, the majority of the proposed works are reversible and therefore will not have a harmful impact on either the architectural or historic character of the building."
To view the plans, visit planning.welhat.gov.uk/Search, and search 6/2024/2131/FULL.
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