Ward 5 Councilor, Terri Stander will be hosting a community engagement meeting to discuss the lease application for the development of Padel Courts (Erf No: 0002203) in Conyngham Road, this Thursday.
Date: 4 December 2025
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: 42-46 Conyngham Road, Millard Grange, Gqeberha
Your input and feedback are valuable to us. We encourage you to attend and participate in the discussion.
More About Padel:
Padel offers significant health benefits, combining the advantages of cardiovascular exercise with the low-impact nature of a small-court racket sport. It provides a comprehensive workout that supports physical, mental, and social well-being.
Other Padel Courts in Nelson Mandela Bay:
At least one Padel court facility in Nelson Mandela Bay has attracted the ire of residents and become the subject of high-profile litigation, primarily centered on noise and planning violations.
The municipality has by-laws that govern the siting and operation of such courts, relating specifically to zoning, building plans, and noise control.
A major legal dispute concerning a padel court facility in the Nelson Mandela Bay area involves the Walmer Golf Club and its lease to Techno Padel.
The Dispute: Residents of the surrounding area obtained an urgent interim interdict (dated March 11, 2025) restraining the Club from operating the three padel courts.
Key Complaints: The residents’ main complaint was that the facility constituted an “untenable nuisance.” While noise is the general complaint against padel courts near residences, the legal action was premised squarely on alleged unlawfulness.
Legal Basis: The primary legal arguments for the interdict and subsequent action sought the demolition and removal of the courts based on the alleged absence of approved building plans and the lack of a certificate of occupancy for the structures.
The case progressed through the High Court, which upheld the order for demolition, though the club was reported to be petitioning the Supreme Court of Appeal as of late 2025.
Municipal By-Laws and Planning Regulations:
There are no specific “Padel Court By-Laws,” but the development and operation of courts are strictly governed by three sets of existing Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal (NMBM) by-laws and national legislation:
Zoning and Land Use (Municipal Planning By-Law)
The fundamental issue in the Walmer case was a potential breach of planning regulations.
Any change in the use of land—such as converting land previously used for a golf course or residential garden into a commercial sports facility—requires a Land Use Application (Consent Use or Rezoning) under the Municipal Planning By-Law.
This application allows the municipality and affected neighbors to scrutinize the impact of the new activity (noise, traffic, density) before approval is granted.
Building Plans and Certification (National Building Regulations Act)
The successful legal action against the Walmer Club rested heavily on this point:
The construction of the courts (fences, structures, foundations) requires approved building plans from the NMBM Building Control Department.
The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act prohibits the use or occupation of a structure unless a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued, confirming it was built according to the approved plans and is fit for purpose.
Noise Control By-Law
The NMBM Noise Control By-Law provides the framework for residents to complain about the typical nuisance caused by padel courts (the sound of the ball hitting the glass walls).
Disturbing Noise: Defined as a noise level that exceeds the ambient (background) sound level by 7 dBA or more. This requires technical measurement.
Noise Nuisance: A broader category defined as any sound that “disturbs or impairs or may disturb or impair the convenience or peace of any person.” This is more subjective and often requires supporting affidavits from multiple complainants.
Courts are generally viewed as an “abnormal use” in a residential area, meaning developers are expected to implement significant mitigating measures (sound barriers, restricted operating hours) to comply with these by-laws.
