A former warehouse and retail building in Stoke-on-Trent could be converted into a sports centre for pickleball, if a planning application is approved.

Pickleball People has submitted an application to Stoke-on-Trent City Council for the change of use of the former Autobrite Direct building on Festival Way, Etruria, to an indoor sports facility.

The plans would see nine pickleball courts built along with a viewing area, cafe, shop and changing rooms.

The application states: "The proposed site will serve as a regional centre for Pickleball, providing easy access to local communities to enjoy the benefits of physical activity and will promote this sport more generally."

The plans for the new sports centre also include private meeting rooms for the applicant and quiet working spaces which will be available to the public.

The planning statement says: "Part of the existing mezzanine will be removed in order to provide an open space to accommodate nine pickleball courts. A viewing area with café is provided, along with a reception and a shop. The building will also contain the required changing rooms and toilets, along with meeting rooms and staff facilities.

"The café and shop will be operated by the applicant, Pickleball People / Destination Pickleball. The meeting rooms will be used by the applicants and won't be open to the public. The quiet working spaces are available to the public."

In the proposals, the applicant, Pickleball People, are describes as "pickleball enthusiasts" whose aim is "to grow pickleball in the UK by inspiring people to take up the sport and providing them with the necessary equipment to enjoy and improve their game".

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Stoke-on-Trent City Council has yet to make a decision on the proposals.

To view the full application, visit the Stoke-on-Trent City Council planning website here.