Summer Place under fire for illegal public venue
HYDE PARK - SUMMER Place in Hyde Park is under fire for allegedly running an illegal public venue in a residential area and apparently getting away with it.
Ward 91 councillor Anthony Still said Summer Place had continued to host events and distributed alcohol without having any of the rights required to do so.
“They appear to be doing this with impunity,” he said.
The City of Johannesburg spokesperson, Nthatisi Modingoane explained that the existing rights for Summer Place included the operation of a guest house and ancillary uses such as dining facilities, conference facilities, health hydro and administrative offices.
However, Modingoane added that Summer Place does have pending rights to host functions and to serve refreshments.
He explained, “The proposed township of Hyde Park Extension 131, which is situated on Portion 754 of the Farm Zandfontein 42-IR, where the existing Summer Place development is located, has not yet been finalised.”
Thus, until that development is completed, hosting functions and serving refreshments to groups of people at the venue violated existing zoning rights.
“Legal action was taken against the owners regarding the illegal activities taking place on the site. The subsequent submission and approval of the rezoning application will rectify the illegal situation,” said Modingoane.
Hyde Park resident, Lisa Benatar added that residents in the area have even signed a petition against Summer Place, accusing the owners of the venue of operating illegally and for disturbing the peace in the area with their loud parties.
“They are ignoring people’s complaints,” she said. “The music is so unbearably loud. I have young children and an 18-month-old baby. We can’t even enjoy some peace and quiet in the comfort of our home.”
Benatar claimed she had placed a complaint with the Bramley police and nothing has been done about it. “The Bramley police do nothing,” she added.
Warrant Officer Moses Maphakela, spokesperson for Bramley police said he had no knowledge of any recent complaints about Summer Place. However, he said police had dealt with noise complaints before.
Benatar said, “This has gone on for years. It is enough now. When will they be stopped?”
No comment was received from Summer Place by the time of publication. Sandton Chronicle initially contacted Summer Place on 29 August, and has since followed up. While Summer Place said they would respond to the allegations, they still had not replied.
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