Lack of objections lead to cellphone tower approval
eThekwini Municipality said the correct process was followed.
DELAYED action by residents, has led to the approval of a new cellphone tower in Cowies Hill.
A group of Cowies Hill residents are questioning the erection of two cellphone towers on Ambleside Lane a few weeks ago.
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Thomas Morrison, one of the residents, said the cellphone towers were erected about 30 metres from his front door in Pinetown without any discussion with the community, on 18 November.
He added that one tower looks like a repeater mast and the other is a tall tower disguised as a tree.
“Our community in Ambleside Lane includes at least three large simplex complexes and there are many retired and elderly people in the area,” said Morrison.
Morrison consulted his neighbour, Estelle Bekker, who is on the body corporate for the complex, Robins Rest.
She said residents were informed that the small tower that was originally there was going to be extended by a metre or two, about three months ago.
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However, no mention was made about the new cellphone tower that went up recently next to it, which is at least double the size of the existing one.
“The original one looks like a repeater tower whereas the new one is disguised as a tree and is a proper cellphone tower that you see around Durban,” said Morrison.
He immediately contacted the local councillor, Melanie Brauteseth, who promised to look into the matter and find out how the municipality could allow this to happen.
However, Vivegi Chetty, regional coordinator: Land Use Management at eThekwini Municipality’s Development Planning and Management said: “All neighbours were notified, two objections were received but no Appeal was lodged. The correct process was followed.”
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