A WORKING farm between Salisbury and Blandford could soon become home to Dorset’s first rural indoor padel club complete with a New Zealand-inspired café and wellness space.

Plans have been submitted to Dorset Council for Chalk & Padel, a proposed sports and leisure venue at Thorneydown Farm near Sixpenny Handley, on the A354.

If approved, the development would bring three indoor padel courts to an area where there are currently no courts at all, serving players from north Dorset and south Wiltshire

The project is the idea of third-generation farmer Ben Chick, who said the move is about helping farming survive while creating something genuinely useful for people.

“Farming is under huge pressure right now, and diversification has to mean building something that genuinely adds value to the area, not just surviving,” he said.

“This is a working farm, and it always will be. But sitting alongside the farm, we have the chance to create something this part of Dorset has never had.”

Padel, often described as a mix between tennis and squash, is Britain’s fastest-growing racket sport, with participation soaring nationwide.

Yet central and north Dorset currently have no venues, meaning enthusiasts often travel more than 25 miles to the Bournemouth area to play.

Alongside the courts, the plans include Aroha Coffee, a New Zealand-inspired café, changing facilities and wellness spaces.

Developers said the aim is to create a destination people visit for more than just a quick game.

Ben added: “I’ve been dealing with chronic fatigue over the past couple of years, and it completely changes how you look at life. You realise how important health, community and connection actually are.”

“We want to bring an incredible sport to an area that currently has nothing, and create a place where people come not just to play, but to connect, recharge and spend proper time together.”

The planning application is with Dorset Council planners, and if approved, Chalk & Padel hope to open in late 2026 or early 2027.

The proposal has already attracted backing on the council’s planning portal, with supporters arguing the venue could become a valuable social and sporting hub for rural communities.

James Elwood said a local padel club “would be incredible”, adding: “Sport brings everyone together and is a huge asset, especially in a rural location.”

Others described the plans as a major boost for health and wellbeing, with one supporter calling it “a fantastic asset for all the rural communities in the surrounding area”.

Harriet Bush said the development would provide “a valuable community space focused on health, wellbeing, and social connection in a rural area where opportunities like this are limited”, adding that its mix of sport, café facilities and wellness spaces could benefit all ages and help younger people stay active and engaged locally.