La Montagne promenade reroute at final public comment stage

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11-12-2025
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North Coast Courier
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Residents have until December 13 to make submissions on the process.

Plans to reroute a section of the Ballito beachfront are moving ahead, with a proposal to rebuild the La Montagne walkway now in its final stage of public comment.

Environmental consultant Jane Tennet confirmed that the change has been under consideration since 2017. Initially conceived as a single large-scale project, it was later divided into two phases to better assess environmental and social impacts.

“We have spent many years carefully thinking about how to meet the needs of La Montagne Resort, the public and the municipality,” said Tennet.

Public participation began in March 2024, involving local civil groups, ward councillors and other interested parties. Tennet said the new design aims to strike the best balance between environmental protection, public access and resort operations.

The walkway forms part of the much-loved Ballito promenade, but the current path runs directly alongside the ground-floor rooms and balconies at La Montagne, raising concerns about petty theft, noise and loss of privacy. While the municipality holds a right-of-way servitude, the current path does not align with the original legal boundary.

The proposed reroute seeks to resolve these issues by creating a safer and better-designed route for beachgoers.

Construction plans include:

• Cutting into the dune to create space.

• Building a dry-stack retaining wall.

• Installing permeable paving for better drainage.

• Adding wooden handrails and replanting the dune with indigenous vegetation.

• Erecting a marine-grade security fence (up to 1.8m high) along the top of the wall.

Once complete, the existing path will be removed and the dune rehabilitated.

Several alternatives were considered, including relocating the walkway or upgrading the current route. A “no-go” option was also explored. However, none adequately addressed the servitude issue or mitigated the resort’s concerns.

The proposed design is viewed as the most viable compromise in terms of safety, environmental care and public benefit. Construction is expected to take two to three months and will coincide with work on the northern walkway to reduce disruption.

La Montagne confirmed that the current walkway will remain open as long as it is safe to do so. If temporary closure is required, the public will be notified at least 48 hours in advance.

A community meeting may still be held, depending on the volume of public comments once the draft Basic Assessment Report is circulated. After the commenting period closes, the hotel will have an opportunity to engage with the public, if needed.

The final report will be submitted to the Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs department by February 18.

Residents, beachgoers and local businesses have until December 13 to register and submit their feedback. Email: Jane@hsginc.co.za.