Glenwood developments raise concerns

CONCERNS have been raised over two new housing developments in Somerset Avenue which, despite assurances by the developer and architect to the contrary, neighbouring residents believe will serve as student or hostel accommodation.

According to local resident and businessman, Sakkie Hattingh, residents became aware of the development on 31-33 Somerset Avenue, Glenwood, when the original building was demolished and construction began on the new development. Hattingh said Amafa confirmed that a demolition permit had been granted for the development as the original building had been destroyed by fire. He said Amafa had indicated that the site, as well as a further two sites on Somerset Avenue, were to be developed for hostel accommodation. Demolition permits for the buildings on the properties 28-30 and 34-38 Somerset Avenue, which are earmarked for similar development, are still under public consultation.

However, local councillor Mmabatho Tembe and the aruchitect of the development, Graham Braum, denied that student accommodation was being considered. Braum said the building would comprise bachelor units and were aimed at people who worked in the area and could live within walking distance of work.

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Hattingh said residents had complained that they had not been consulted regarding the new developments and raised concerns that if allowed, they would change the whole character of the area. He said plans he had seen from Amafa made provision for two storey buildings on each site with 11 rooms per floor, a communal kitchen and lounge.

“I am of the opinion that a traffic impact assessment should have been done for a one-way road as narrow as Somerset Avenue. Residents are also concerned that only seven parking bays are to be provided for each site, where a minimum of 22 rooms will be built. If 50 per cent of the people have cars, this will be chaos in this narrow one-way road. What about the heritage value of the area? It will certainly change the whole character of this area,” he said.

Subsequent to concerns raised by residents, a public meeting was held where Councillor Tembe, Graham Braum and a contractor addressed questions raised about the development. “Mr Braum informed residents this was not student accommodation and the developer also said he would be willing to sign to that effect. He assured them they would be given a chance to object,” said Tembe. She said the housing would be for people who work in the area but live far away and need to commute. Tembe said the developer had built a similar type of development in Clark Road and apparently no students lived there.

“They are going through all the right channels with the municipality and with Amafa,” she added.

One of major complaints raised was the lack of public consultation. Hattingh said residents had only received letters from the developer after they had raised concerns about the development at 31-33 Somerset Avenue.

Save Our Berea’s Cheryl Johnson and Kevin Dunkley said the developer had developed a hostel site in Brand Road a few years ago which was controversial, and Save Our Berea objected to the type of building that was planned for this site.

“This is a very worrying state of affairs. Should these developments go ahead, they will impact substantially on the character of this small one-way street,” they said.

Residents have until 21 December to submit objections to the large developments in Somerset Avenue.

Architect responds

REGARDING the properties in question, plans have been submitted for a residential building which is freely permitted by the Town Planning Regulations.

I do know that some residents have concerns about a hostel or student accommodation. Although these are allowed in the regulations, the developer is definitely not putting up anything to do with student accommodation. These are bachelor units to accommodate the working person in the area within walking distance from their workplace.

Braum said at least 40 registered letters were sent out to surrounding neighbours explaining that these were residential buildings and would not be a hostel or accommodate students.

“At a request at the public meeting the developer undertook to supply in writing to the local councillor that the developments would not be for a hostel or student accommodation. A plan has been approved for 31 Somerset Avenue and is presently under construction and has the same design as our new proposals. The question of demolition and our new projects were discussed at a site meeting with the City Architect and he has no objection to our proposals. Most neighbours have accepted our explanation but there are a few who are assuming and insist that these are going to be for students. These assumptions are beyond our control,” he said.

Braum said the developments have been submitted and comply with all the National Building Regulations for approval.

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