The Newstead Belmont Hills property hopes to convert its driving range into a series of pickleball courts, according to a recent planning application.

The application, submitted by Botelhowood Architects on behalf of Newstead Lantana Spa Ltd, proposes the creation of eight pickleball courts at the Belmont property near Middle Road, Warwick.

Pickleball - described as a combination of tennis, badminton and ping-pong - is typically played on a badminton-size court using a paddle and a plastic ball with holes.

“Pickleball is rapidly becoming popular, particularly in the US, and Newstead Hotel is receiving a lot of enquiries from their guests and potential guests,” the application stated.

“Newstead Hotel would like to convert most of the land formerly used as a golf driving range into pickleball courts. The driving range was not as successful as anticipated and has been reduced to a minimal facility that is now seldom, if ever used.”

The application stated that the instillation of eight courts would result in a “minor encroachment” into land zoned as agricultural reserve.

“This land has not been used as arable land for at least 30 years, if ever,” the documents stated. “Pickleball courts do not involve heavy construction or deep foundations and consequently they will not have any impact on the agricultural reserve.

“There will be a fence at the south end of the courts and this will control access to the court area. A row of mature palms will be transplanted to within the setback at the south side of the courts and these will act as a significant visual barrier.”

Usage of the courts would be limited to members, primarily hotel guests and owners of factional units at the property with “limited membership” available to the wider public.

The application also noted that Newstead offers drop-off and pick-up services, which would limit the amount of parking space required.

“The pickleball courts are consistent with tourism zoning and will become a recognised tourist attraction for the Newstead Hotel,” the planning documents added.

“The courts have low visual impact, are set below densely vegetated banks to the north and west and fencing will be below these tree lines.

“LED lights will be as specifically designed for pickleball courts with light direct down to the court surface. Equipment and storage will be within the former golf driving range building.”