Connor Naismith MP has backed Crewe FC as the club calls for answers over continued delays to a fully funded padel development at King George V Playing Fields in Crewe.
Crewe FC received conditional planning permission on 26 February 2026 for three covered padel courts at the community facility. The project is funded entirely by the club and does not require any capital contribution from Cheshire East Council or local taxpayers.
The club has also secured support from the Football Foundation, Sport England and Fields in Trust. The proposed courts would sit within Crewe FC’s existing facility on land already disposed of from the wider public open space.
More than five months after planning approval, however, construction has still not been able to begin. Crewe FC says the Community Use Agreement required to discharge a remaining planning condition has not been signed by Cheshire East Council, despite its contents not being disputed by relevant planning consultees.
The club states that the council is delaying signing the document in order to undertake a full procurement process, which could lead to another provider being granted permission to build padel courts at the site. That issue is further complicated by an existing lease with Crewe FC that restricts assignment, underletting or sharing possession of the premises.
Mr Naismith, the Labour MP for Crewe & Nantwich, has supported Crewe FC throughout the development of The Excel Hub at King George V Playing Fields.
Connor Naismith MP said:
“I’ve backed Crewe FC’s proposals because they offer a significant investment in community sport without requiring Council funding, just like the football pitch that was delivered.
“Reading the statement from Crewe FC is concerning. Regardless of where people stand on the detail, it shouldn’t take months of changing processes and uncertainty before there is clarity on the way forward.
“Cheshire East must, of course, comply with its legal obligations, but it should also be able to explain its decisions clearly, consistently and transparently. That is in everyone’s interests.
“My priority remains exactly the same. Seeing facilities delivered for local people as quickly as possible.
“I hope the Council now provides the certainty needed to move this forward proactively.”
Crewe FC’s full statement on the delays is available on the club website.
