On April 7 there was a proposal for a new shopping centre on the corner of Terrace Road and Paul Kruger Street.
The proposal of the shopping centre, done by a town planner who spoke on behalf of the shareholders and developers, did not sit well with local residents, according to an Edenvale resident, Mr Patrick Ellis.
He wrote in an email to a representative of the company, following the proposal which he shared with the NEWS, that residents were not in favour of the construction of the proposed shopping centre.
He added that there were several concerns about the matter, which included increased traffic, nightclubs, the rights of local residents, changing of zones, property value and added noise.
“A township establishment application has been submitted by a company named Property Planning on March 1. The proposed township name is in Edenglen extension 74 Township,” said Mr Themba Gadebe spokesperson of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
He said, “The current zoning is agriculture. The proposed zoning is Business 1 with intention to develop a neighbourhood retail shopping centre.”
“The application is still in circulation with few comments received thus far. We have also received several objections from surrounding neighbours,” said Mr Gadebe.
Clr Heather Hart of ward 18 stated in an email to the NEWS that she has not been able to discuss the matter with the developers and that her initial response is that, while economic development, growth and job creation is welcome, it would be difficult to support the proposed shopping centre because of the adverse effects in would have on the amenity and value of the surrounding residential areas and she would prefer to see an alternative suggestions.
In an email conversation between Mr Ellis, the developers, Clr Hart and the NEWS, Clr Hart stated that development is needed in Edenvale so long as it is responsible development in relation to the residential surrounds.
The NEWS made several attempts to obtain comment from the developers with the most recent request for comment sent on May 26 with a request for comment by May 27 at 9am.
At the time of going to print, no comment had been received.
