City investigates Glenmore construction
Alarm bells were raised after residents noticed construction in their area.
THE eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said the City will investigate and clamp down on any illegal residential buildings.
This comes after Glenmore resident Karin Dreyer raised alarm bells over construction on Bowen Avenue and Hyder Road.
“At 139 Bowen Avenue, a big building went up and it’s been advertised as Titanic Guest House. The houses in question are 44 and 36 Hyder Road and 139 Bowen Avenue. After the big house went up in Bowen Avenue, we saw that the owners had bought the other two properties and started building, making it bigger and bigger,” she said.
However, Mayisela said there is no mention of such a guesthouse in town planning records. “This will be investigated,” he added.
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Meanwhile, Mayisela noted that building plans were submitted for the property on 139 Bowen Avenue in 2018.
“The plans submitted in 2018 were approved on the December 20, 2018 for additions and alterations to the existing dwelling. Further investigations will be carried out to verify whether the building work is as per approved plans. No current building work has been identified,” he said.
Attorney and director of TS Law Incorporated, Trishal Sharma, who represents the property owners, said: “The property, situated at 139 Bowen Avenue, is registered in the personal name of the owner. The name Titanic Guest House is the branding name of the establishment. Titanic Guest House is currently operating as a bed and breakfast.
“My client has advised our offices that the application for registration was submitted and they are awaiting confirmation of registration,” said Sharma.
Commenting on the property at 36 Hyder Road, Mayisela said, “Building works, which are additions and alterations, are being carried out on site, and we have not received any approved plans for this property.”
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Mayisela added that there was no builder on site on October 5 and 6 due to the rainy weather.
“A notice has been issued for unauthorised building work. The site will be monitored for contraventions on site,” added Mayisela.
Sharma said building plans have been submitted for maintenance work at 36 Hyder Road. The owners are awaiting approval of the plans.
“My client has advised our offices that there are no additions/renovation/ construction being done at 44 Hyder Road and is unsure as to why this is being scrutinised as the property is as built.
“My client further advises that maintenance is being done at 36 Hyder Road. The maintenance of the property entailed the excavation of a wall surrounding the property due to a structural crack in the wall, as well as the removal of the property roof due to wood bore (sic) infestation. Our client maintains their right to any maintenance over the aforesaid property,” said Sharma.
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