We have the most scenic area in Johannesburg and as such residents need to ensure that new developments do not impact negatively on the area.
Over the past few weeks there have been a number of articles in the paper about “Greedy Developers” with residents voicing their concerns about the effects the proposed new developments will have on our environment. The main areas of concern have been whether or not the existing infrastructure would be adequate to meet the extra demand. It is extremely worrying when you read in the paper that there are plans to build 150 units where the Panorama Flea Market is currently situated. On the other hand some readers have written letters approving of the new developments as the vacant land poses security risks for those living in close proximity to them.
The development of the land is inevitable but if managed correctly the needs and concerns of all parties could be met. If we look at Meyersdal and Alberton that fall under the Ekurhuleni Municipality you will see development that is more in keeping with the type of housing that was originally envisaged for the area. There are complexes but most are single storey with lockup garages and private gardens. If you compare these developments with the three storey flats that were built right on the edge of the Kliprivier Nature Reserve and those currently being built in Oakdene it is clear that the two municipalities have a different set of rules in the town planning office when approving building plans.
We, as a community need to hold Jo’burg Municipality to a higher standard and object in the strongest possible terms to having three storey blocks of flats built in Glenanda, Glenvista or Mulbarton. In the past, these suburbs were not zoned for flats nor should they be now.
The City Planning Office is responsible for making sure developers abide by the building regulations for the area and that the infrastructure is able to cope with all the aspects that will be impacted by the type of building they are approving.
Through our DA City Councillor Paul Smit, we should be making representation to the City Planning Office with our objections and recommendations as well as requesting a report detailing the planned upgrades to the infrastructure. These upgrades should be completed before any new developments are approved.
The questions we need answers for are:-
1. Is City Power going to upgrade the electricity substation to cope with the extra demand?
2. Has the current sewage plant been upgraded? The plant is already over capacity as there have been reports of raw sewage flowing into the Kliprivier.
3. When will an additional school be built in the area? The current schools are all well over their recommended numbers.
4. What plans have been made to upgrade the road system.
We need to place on record that we do not want any three storey blocks of flats approved for this area. All residential buildings should be restricted to two storeys.
Recommended developments should be townhouses with lockup garages and private gardens.
No shade cloth carports to be allowed.
The development planned for the site of the Panorama Flee Market should also take into consideration the adjoining wet land area.
Where there are more than twenty units in a complex with no private gardens the developer should be required to provide a park area where children can play and not just a small pool and club house designed for adult entertainment. A half basketball court should also be considered for teenagers to have access to healthy activities.
The green belt must be strictly adhered to and provision must be made for the planting of trees. There are so many complexes that have already been built where there is no space for a single tree. The Developer should be required to plant trees along the access roads.
These complexes advertised as “townhouses” are in fact flats or apartment as they are now called. The valley between Kliprivier Drive and Southgate has been so over developed with no provision made for a school or any parkland but thousands of children live there. This is a prime example of irresponsible development taking place.
People in Glenanda North are complaining bitterly about the new three storey complexes being built up on the hill. Once the building has started and the developer has been given approval there is no stopping the process. We need to act now and stand together in raising our objections if we are going to succeed in preventing these unsightly buildings ruining the picturesque views in Glenvista, Mulbarton and Glenanda. Please post a message expressing your views on this matter to Councillor Paul Smit’s facebook page www.facebook.com/DAsPrideoftheSouth or add your voice to the debate by e-mailing juliem@caxton.co.za at the Camaro Chronicle. The more letters received the stronger the case will be for Paul Smit to present to the City Planning Office.
Marilyn Swan – Ward 23 Committee Member for Community Development.
