A “dull and unwanted” tennis court could be transformed to make way for a sport sweeping the country and endorsed by A-Listers.

Padel courts could be destined for the unused space at Victoria Park, next to Tides Leisure Centre in Deal, which has not been used for the last eight years.

Padel tennis is widely seen as the world’s fastest-growing sport, with celebrities such as Lionel Messi, Serena Williams and Emmanuel Macron taking it up.

Typically, it is played in doubles and is much like a cross between tennis and squash, where the ball can bounce off walls surrounding the court.

The new provision could replace the current storm battered court which has become overrun with weeds and shrubs since tennis was moved indoors.

A planning application submitted to Dover District Council, says: “We are effectively turning one derelict court into three vibrant padel courts.

“The existing features are a somewhat unkempt surface with pockets of vegetation and weeds and scrubs along the boundaries.

“Combined with the grey fencing surrounding the site creates a very grey, dull and unwanted area.”

The proposed club will be open from 7am to 10pm all year round and is set to employ up to 13 people.

Play Padel Club claims there are masses of benefits to the emerging sport, which is played in doubles.

The company reports: “It is fun, accessible, affordable and addictive.

“It is social as the sport is always played in doubles, in your own ‘cage’ closer to the opponents than other sports, yet with no contact and proven to be a covid-safe sport.

“The average player plays 28 times a year – padel is always played in doubles – and 70% of the players have no background in racket sports.

“We will make more people more active.”

A decision on the proposals is set to be made by February 2024.

Kent already has roughly 10 places to play padel tennis, with a new centre at Whitstable Rugby Club set to open soon.

It comes among Tides Leisure Centre’s long-running £25m overhaul plans.

Proposals were first announced in February 2020 but the scheme was stopped in its tracks by the first lockdowns of the pandemic.

However, plans are now moving forward after council bosses said: "doing nothing is not an option".