Midway Pickleball Inc. plans to construct a nearly 80,000-square-foot indoor pickleball complex adjacent to Midway Motion and Fitness near Rehoboth Beach,

The Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission approved a revised final site plan June 17, for the first phase of the project, which includes 18 courts in a 55,027-square-foot structure.

The 32-foot-tall addition includes a first-floor retail component with a commercial kitchen and second-story mezzanine level, according to plans submitted to the county.

The existing building at 34823 Derrickson Drive, east of Route 1, is behind a shopping center that includes the Movies at Midway and other shops.

The site is accessible from Route 1 and Melson Road.

The commission delayed consideration of a 24,896-square-foot second phase of the Midway pickleball project, which includes six courts and equipment storage.

Commissioners were concerned the building would be only 20 feet from neighboring residential properties.

P&Z Commissioner G. Scott Collins suggested the building be moved farther from the property line and vegetation be added to screen the view of neighbors.

In response to questions from commissioners, Jamie Whitehouse, director of the county Planning & Zoning Department, said the commission had the option of approving only the first phase.

The commission passed the revised final site plan by a vote of 4-0, with Commissioner Jeff Allen absent.

 The owners of Midway Motion and Fitness declined to comment on the project.

The pickleball project is located in the same general spot where an indoor skating rink and bowling alley were located before the roof caved in during a 2003 President’s Day blizzard.

The footprint of the pickleball courts would be smaller than the previous structure.