Commercial activity in the Stellenbosch winelands has in the past been restricted to wine production, guest houses and wine tourism, creating a quiet ambiance within an area of unsurpassed beauty where visitors can taste wine and eat at many esteemed restaurants. However, the essential character of the area is changing in that many wine farms now cater for functions, weddings and other events such as park runs and cycling routes. The development of the Root 44 market has added another dimension. There is, in principle, no reason why these activities, once sanctioned by the Municipality, cannot exist alongside the traditional wine tourism activities, provided that they don’t interfere with the right of residents of the area to the peaceful enjoyment of their property.This is unfortunately not the case and over a period of 18 months, residents have had reason to complain repeatedly about loud music being played through outside speakers or with doors to function rooms being open. This happens over weekdays and weekends and has become so irritating that it has given rise to this petition.

The solution is actually very simple:

No outside speakers and if loud music is played indoors, the doors should be closed.

This is a farming community which abides by the maxim of “live and let live” and we work together in terms of security and firefighting, so why does the community not work together to provide the solution in terms of noise pollution?

We therefore appeal to all residents to subscribe to this solution by adding your name to the attached list, which will then be presented to the Stellenbosch council with a view to having this solution made into law.

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