Umhlanga residents are angered by eThekwini Municipality’s recent approval of a new gambling facility at 4 Lagoon Drive in Umhlanga Rocks.
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Umhlanga residents are gearing up for a battle against the eThekwini Municipality’s recent approval of a new gambling facility at 4 Lagoon Drive in Umhlanga Rocks.
Residents are preparing to appeal the Municipality's decision.
The decision, which allows the establishment of a venue featuring 150 electronic bingo terminals and 30 limited payout machines at an existing commercial office site located at 4 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, has ignited strong opposition from the Umhlanga Residents and Ratepayers Association (URRA).
They argue that this approval dismisses community concerns about the detrimental effects of gambling.
The controversy was sparked last year when an application was lodged with the municipality seeking Special Consent for the entertainment venue.
The municipality had opened a window for public objections, but residents claim that many of their concerns were either overlooked or inadequately addressed in the final decision-making process.
The URRA said it was appalled by the approval of the gaming facility.
Residents are now calling for full transparency regarding the objection register, confirmation that every objection received was formally recorded, and a clear explanation of how each major objection category was evaluated before consent was granted.
Terri MacLarty, chairperson of the Umhlanga Residents and Ratepayers Association said residents were deeply disappointed that after taking the time to submit what they believed were valid and material objections, a number of those objections do not appear to be clearly reflected in the formal objector register.
"Public participation only has credibility when residents can see that every submission made in good faith has been properly captured and transparently recorded," said MacLarty.
She said residents are now mobilising affected parties, including bodies corporate, neighbouring owners and resident groups, to lodge formal appeals.
“We will be gathering as many affected residents and interested parties together as possible to lodge formal appeals against this decision. The community feels strongly that a matter of this magnitude cannot proceed without exhausting every lawful remedy available,” she said.
MacLarty also criticised the appeal fee of approximately R5 500 per appeal, saying many residents regard it as excessive and a practical barrier to participation where multiple households and bodies corporate may each need to appeal.
The URRA in a statement said residents noted that while the approval relies on the activity being contained within an existing structure, the practical consequences are external, such as vehicle movements, congestion, parking overflow and late-hour activity inevitably affecting surrounding roads, neighbouring businesses and nearby residential properties.
It further stated that there is growing alarm over the economic implications as many owners and market participants believe parts of the local residential market have already softened by approximately 10% to 15% in certain sectors, and they fear that introducing a gaming facility of this intensity may deepen negative sentiment further.
Louis Chambi, managing director of Kings Gaming & Entertainment said he was pleased by the outcome.
He argued that the decision to utilise existing premises within a mixed-use area does not significantly alter the landscape, insisting that no further expansion is planned.
"The scale of the approved facility is exactly as advertised, with no expansion between the application and the final decision," he said.
Chambi said they were aware of the concerns raised by certain residents and respect their right to participate in the process, including any appeal.
"However, the issues relating to traffic, parking, and broader impacts were specifically assessed by the relevant municipal authorities. The Transport Authority, on the information before it, did not identify any material traffic concerns, and the site itself accommodates a substantial number of parking bays.
He said in relation to broader concerns around market sentiment and property values, these were not matters that were determined through perception alone but were considered within the planning and economic framework applicable to the area.
"The precinct is already designated and functioning as a mixed-use node, where a range of commercial, leisure and entertainment activities are anticipated. The approved use forms part of that existing planning vision rather than a departure from it.
"Ultimately, the decision reflects a balanced consideration of all inputs, including objections, technical assessments, and the applicable policy framework. We remain confident that the approval is sound and that any appeal process will consider the same evidentiary basis," said Chambi.
A media relations officer at eThekwini Municipality said the City was still collating the necessary information from the relevant department regarding questions sent by the Sunday Tribune.
"The matter is receiving attention, and a comprehensive response will be provided as soon as the information becomes available."