Residents have their voices heard over development issue

WATERFORD – Residents came out en masse on 19 April to show their disagreement with plans to develop a servitude in an area off Witkoppen Road.

April 24, 2018

Robyn Kirk 2 minutes read

The municipal tribunal who will decide the fate of the stretch of land came to do an inspection with both the applicants and the objectors. Photo: Robyn Kirk

Concerned citizens from Waterford Estate and its surrounds made sure their voices were heard when they turned up in droves to protest against the building of a number of houses on a servitude near their complex, just off Witkoppen Road.

On 19 April a site inspection was held on the stretch of land, which sits between Waterford Estate and the Shining Stars Pre-school, which saw officials from the municipality, objectors in the area and the developer visit the site. It was an opportunity for parties to point out physical features in the space before the official tribunal hearing on the matter was heard later in the day.

The children waited outside the green belt for guests to arrive, while holding up their signs. Photo: Robyn Kirk

On 19 April the protesters, municipal inspectors and the applicant walked the area to point out features before the hearing. Photo: Robyn Kirk

Dozens of residents showed up on the morning to show the officials their displeasure. Juliette Veitch, owner of the neighbouring pre-school, also had her young charges stand in the area with signs. Along the servitude, builders had used tape to mark out where each planned house will go.

“I bought into the [Waterford] estate at the beginning of last year, and only then did I find out about the plans to build here,” said Grant Brook, a resident who has since hired attorney Patrick Mundell from Kuilman, Mundell and Arlow Attorneys and has become an official objector to the situation. “Now we’re trying to figure out how to explain to the council that this development is not feasible.

“It will harm the wildlife in the area, including bush babies, bullfrogs and bird life. It will also worsen erosion problems already experienced by the estate.”

During the meeting, the gathered people travelled the stretch of land as physical features were pointed out, such as the number of stories in neighbouring houses and the presence of both indigenous and alien trees. Although the residents who were present were allowed to ask questions, the merits of the plans could not be discussed at the time.

Mundell, Brook and a few others attended the tribunal hearing later in the day where the issue was debated in more detail.

Attorney Patrick Mundell is representing the objectors. Photo: Robyn Kirk

As the site inspection went on, the Shining Star children stood in the area with their signs. Photo: Robyn Kirk

Although the hearing lasted some time, in the end, no decision was made on the matter and the issue has been postponed until 7 May, when the panel listening to the case will hear submissions from residents.

The area is unique in that it is one of the few places left in the city where bush babies have a safe habitat.

The Fourways Review will keep you updated as this story develops further.