The City of Johannesburg, the Johannesburg Inner City Partnership (JICP) and the Heritage Register have partnered to help property owners find out if they need a permit from the heritage authority before carrying out alterations, additions and demolitions.
The difficulty in accessing this information has led to project delays, high costs and the destruction of heritage resources.
According to James Ball, founder of the Heritage Register, all that owners need to do is to complete an online form, pay a small fee and then wait a few days for our team to conduct research and compile a report.
Also read: Power outages occur throughout the city
“In addition and other than just highlighting the heritage status of a property, the reports further guide owners on what to do next should a permit be needed,” said Ball.
While the Heritage Register team generates reports, the city will continue to improve enforcement measures to ensure compliance with heritage legislation.
“The enforcement of by-laws has been intensified to address illegal work happening across the city,” said MMC for Development Planning and Political Head for Region F, Clr Reuben Masango.
“We encourage people to abide by the applicable by-laws to avoid legal action being instituted against them,” added MMC Masango. The Johannesburg Inner City Partnership is encouraging Residents’ Associations and City Improvement Districts and all stakeholders to commission heritage status reports for each property in their area.
Also read: R1-billion invested to keep lights on
This will help to create an enabling environment for investment and protect important heritage sites for future generations.
These sites have the potential to play a major role in the tourism offering of the city.
The launch of this service epitomises the new spirit of partnership between the City Council and the private sector in Johannesburg. To submit a heritage status request, visit www.heritageregister.org.za
For more news and interesting articles, like Joburg East Express on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. Email joburgeast@caxton.co.za
