KNYSNA NEWS - The Western Cape High Court has granted interim relief to LivPadel Knysna Hollow, suspending a Knysna Municipality appeal decision that would have resulted in the padel court's closure.
The company received municipal approval for its site development plan in December 2022, followed by building plan approval in January 2023.
After operating for several months, noise complaints were lodged by nearby residents. An independent acoustic assessment commissioned by LivPadel found that noise from the padel courts did not constitute a disturbing noise under the Western Cape Noise Control Regulations during daytime hours.
Despite this, the matter proceeded through municipal hearings, a tribunal and an internal appeal.
Public use of courts prohibited
The appeal decision, issued by Knysna Mayor Thando Matika, as the designated appeal authority, prohibited public use of the courts with immediate effect, prompting LivPadel to approach the High Court for urgent interim relief.
The High Court order, delivered on 18 December, directs that the "implementation and enforcement of the appeal decision communicated on 3 December 2025 be suspended" pending the outcome of a review application.
The court further ordered that each party pay its own legal costs. Matika declined to comment on the order, as the matter is sub judice.
Peak-season closure
The municipal appeal decision had prohi-bited public use of the padel courts with immediate effect. LivPadel Knysna was informed of the decision in early December.
While the applicable rules require an appeal decision to be issued within 21 days, the mayor's decision was only communicated after about 110 days, resulting in the sudden closure of the courts during the peak holiday period.
As a result of the High Court order, the padel courts reopened to the public last week. "In practical terms, this means that LivPadel Knysna may resume normal public operations on the same basis that existed prior to 4 December," the company said, confirming that bookings have reopened.
Review proceedings
The High Court ruling does not determine the lawfulness of the municipal appeal decision itself. That issue will be considered in review proceedings, which LivPadel has indicated it will institute within the 60-day period directed by the court.
The matter has also drawn local attention in the context of Knysna Municipa-lity's ongoing financial constraints, which have been widely acknowledged in council discussions and public communications.
While the court ordered each party to cover its own legal costs, questions have been raised in the community about municipal expenditure on prolonged legal processes during a period of financial pressure.
LivPadel said it remains "fully co-ope-rative with Knysna Municipality and the High Court" and is "committed to being considerate neighbours and a positive contributor to the Knysna community and tourism economy".
The review process will now proceed, with the current operating position remaining in place until the court reaches a final decision.
At the time of publication, the Knysna Municipality has not responded to recent queries on the court's determination.
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