Summer Place, where the parties ain't easy to bear

Johannesburg's premier party venue for the affluent is proving to be a nightmare for its wealthy Hyde Park neighbours.

The owners of Summer Place, a large private estate in the upmarket neighbourhood, is being taken to court by the City of Johannesburg for allegedly contravening zoning regulations.

And if the city has its way, the court action will stop the bar mitzvahs, weddings and other social and corporate functions that residents say are disturbing their peace.

Last year, for example, Summer Place was the venue for a gala dinner for Sentebale, one of Prince Harry's charities, and the nominations party for the Metro FM music awards.

Marchia Estates, a company owned by four members of the Krok family - three of whom also own Gold Reef Resorts - intends opposing the city's application. The company contends that it submitted an application for rezoning part of the estate about five years ago.

The property is divided into three erven of which the largest is zoned for use as a guesthouse.

This, the city argues, allowed for "a dining facility for bona fide guests residing on the property and appropriate recreational and entertainment, again only for bona fide guests that reside on the property".

According to the venue's website, however: "Although Summer Place does not provide guest accommodation, we are surrounded by an array of international hotels and guesthouses ..."

Some of Summer Place's well-heeled neighbours say the parties are not restricted to a particular erf and that masses of cars are often parked on the property. Lisa Benatar, who shares a wall with Summer Place, said her sleep was constantly disturbed by the noise from the venue.

Benatar, in a lawyer's letter attached to the court papers, said that during exam time many pupils living close to Summer Place had to sleep elsewhere so that they could study.

"Many such functions take place over weekends, at which time our client and her family (and other residents in the area) are attempting to benefit from the use and enjoyment of their property."

Benatar is one of 25 residents who have signed a petition objecting to the functions and parties held in contravention of zoning regulations.

The city submitted a report by a town-planning company that stated the "unlawful ... activities" included weddings; bar and bat mitzvahs; parties; live entertainment; the erection of outdoor marquees and fireworks displays.

A report by consultants representing the owners of the property confirmed that two erven were used as a parking area for guests attending a function at a third one.

The general manager of Summer Place, Mary Krchnavy, said: "We are unfortunately closed [for the festive season] and therefore no comment will be made."

A spokesman for the City of Johannesburg, Nkosinathi Nkabinde, said the owners of the property were served with court papers on November 27 and "consequently submitted a town-planning application to legalise the activities on site."

Nkabinde said the application was being evaluated.