Plans to replace a skateboard park with padel courts have been approved.

Pointon Park in Cheddleton submitted an application to remove the existing skate park at the Felthouse Lane recreation ground and construct two outdoor padel courts in its place.

Planning committee members at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council unanimously approved the application, in line with their officers' recommendation.

The committee heard that the skateboard park is underused and has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

Pointon Park, which is a charitable company, says the padel courts will raise funds that will help ensure the future sustainability of the site.

Padel, which is a more accessible form of tennis, is the fastest growing sport in the country.

Leisure officers had raised concerns over a free facility for young people being replaced with a paid-for facility aimed primarily at adults. But committee members believe the scheme will result in an overall improvement in sporting provision.

Councillor Paul Roberts said: "If the existing facility isn't being used, it isn't being lost.

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"Padel courts will cater to a larger group of people, children as well as older people – I don't see many older people at skate parks, unless they're really dedicated. But people in their late 50s play padel. I think this is a fantastic idea."

Pointon Park has agreed to offer under-16s a 50 per cent discount on padel court bookings as compensation for the loss of the skate park.