Sunninghill can’t stand the noise
SUNNINGHILL - The residents of Baldersani complex on Simba Road in Sunninghill have expressed anger and concern with regards to a great deal of noise emanating from The Meat Lounge restaurant in the Core Shopping Centre across the road.
Estate manager of Baldersani complex Paul Johnston said the complex has had problems with noise coming from the OCD nightclub in the shopping centre before but added that after correspondence with the nightclub, they have installed limiters in their sound system to control the noise.
But following the co-operation from OCD nightclub Johnston said the residents have now struggled with loud music and shouting from the Meat Lounge. He said residents have reported the noise coming from the restaurant until 4am from Thursday to Sunday. Though the clamour continues until 4am, the restaurant’s Zomato account states that their operating hours are from 11am to 9pm.
Johnston said, “This is most annoying and disruptive to our residents and is a health hazard.”
He added, “There has been no visible policing from police or Metro although called for by the residents on numerous occasions.”
Johnston said the residents of the complex allegedly heard gunshots coming from the centre in the early hours on 28 April and have been fearful of the activities in the centre.
Ward 93 councillor Annette Deppe said she has been to the Meat Lounge and is aware of the complaint made by residents. She said residents should contact the City of Johannesburg Health Department when the noise is occurring so they can evaluate the situation and take actions.
She added, “If this doesn’t stop we will have to shut down the establishment as this behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Managing director of the Core Shopping Centre Jacqueline Meyer commented on behalf of The Meat Lounge and confirmed that she has been in communication with Paul Johnston of Baldersani Estate, and added that as recent as 30 March the centre had not received as many complaints.
She added, “The Core management created a ‘no noise/idle only zone’ in the car park facing Baldersani. This is manned 24/7 over weekends by four security guards and an onsite manager day and night. Chevron barriers have been installed to demarcate the area, signage erected to advise patrons of the rules, and vehicles which by nature are louder than others are given demarcated parking outside of the no noise zone.”
She added, “The owner of Meat Lounge has also personally spoken to patrons who find it difficult to be quiet and no patrons are allowed to loiter in the car park.”
With these measures, Meyer said no further complaints have been received and that the centre has installed noise limiters recommended by the Department of Environmental Health and are checked bi-monthly to ensure the limits remain acceptable.
But as of 3 May, Johnston said the complaints have been consistent for the past seven months and have increased. The Sandton Chronicle has received a video from Johnston illustrating the extent of the noise coming from the centre.
Johnston has called upon local Sunninghill residents who have struggled with the noise coming from the centre’s parking lot to sign a petition he has started in order for the local government to intervene.
Details: Paul Johnston; baldersani@lumic.co.za
The Meat Lounge has since been given a chance to comment on the story.
Updates to follow.
