Objection to Events at Sacred Mountain Lodge, Noordhoek

I am writing to formally object to the application to amend the consent use conditions for Sacred Mountain Lodge, Erf 683, 6 Avondrust Lane, Noordhoek. This application seeks to legalise the holding of events like weddings, conferences, and functions, and I urge the relevant authority to deny it.

This property is a 2,400 m² lot surrounded by seven neighbouring residences on two residential roads, Avondrust Lane and Cardinal Close. The owners of Sacred Mountain Lodge have been operating as an events venue for over a decade without the required permits. They were recently held accountable through an administrative penalty process, pleading guilty and paying a fine as a result of the neighbours’ formal complaint to the City of Cape Town. The current application seems to be an attempt to formalise a business practice that has already caused significant disruption to the neighbourhood. My objections are based on the following concerns:

1. Persistent Noise Pollution

For many years, the community has endured significant noise from events held at Sacred Mountain Lodge. The area, which is intended to be quiet and tranquil, is often disturbed more than once a week by loud music, amplified public address systems, singing, and shouting that often continues late into the night. This noise has repeatedly interfered with residents' sleep and has prevented them from peacefully enjoying their homes and family lives.

2. Increased Traffic and Safety Hazards

The lodge lacks adequate on-site parking for event guests. This forces vehicles to park along the entire length of Avondrust Lane, which significantly reduces traffic flow to a single lane. While an agreement is in place to not park on the east side of Avondrust Lane, this still creates a dangerous and inconvenient situation for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians. The resulting congestion frequently makes it difficult for residents to safely and efficiently access or exit their own properties.

3. Erosion of Noordhoek's Unique Character and Property Values

Noordhoek is known for its rural, quiet, and tranquil character. Approving this application would set a dangerous precedent that could fundamentally change the nature of our community. Legalising a commercial events venue in the middle of this residential area would be a step toward a more commercialised and less peaceful environment, which would negatively impact property values.

4. Vague and Unclear Application Details

The application is vague on several key points. It mentions "around 20-25" events per year but gives no maximum number. It states that there are "normally less than 60" attendees, again without a firm cap. It also says "no DJ" but doesn't provide any maximum decibel levels. This lack of clear limitations on the number of events, guests, and noise levels makes it impossible to know what the future nuisance levels will be. Given the long history of noise complaints, this ambiguity is unacceptable.

5. Lack of Community Trust

While it may be possible to reach an amicable arrangement with a new business owner, this is not the case with Sacred Mountain Lodge. The proprietors have a documented history of non-compliance and disregard for their neighbours' legitimate complaints. This long-standing pattern of behaviour has severely undermined any trust that the community could reach a workable solution with them. For this reason, I must object to this application in its entirety.

6. More Suitable Event Venues Already Exist

The Noordhoek area already has established wedding venues, such as Cape Point Vineyards, that are located on larger properties away from residential areas. These venues have ample parking and the infrastructure needed to support large events without disrupting the community. There is no justification for introducing another wedding venue into the heart of a residential and equestrian neighbourhood when suitable, well-established alternatives already exist. For these reasons, I strongly oppose the application to amend the current consent use of Sacred Mountain Lodge. I respectfully request that this application be denied to preserve the tranquil and equestrian heritage of our community.

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Nicola Cox    Contact the author of the petition