The City of Joburg has taken legal action against a panel-beating business which allegedly operates from a residence in Vorna Valley.
According to an email by the City’s Development Planning law-enforcement officer, Rowena Chetty, a town planning notice was issued to the registered owner of plot 643 (34 Boerneef Street) instructing the owner to stop the unauthorised use of the property.
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After the notice expired, a follow-up investigation revealed that the owner had failed to comply. The matter was subsequently referred to Council attorneys.
“Our report was forwarded to our Council attorneys and they have been instructed to prepare the contempt-of-court application, as the owner of the mentioned property is in contempt of the court order,” the email reads.
The property owner, Omesh Mahabeer, said he had not received any court papers from the City. He said a health inspector had come to inspect the premises in January and did not find any health risks. “I don’t understand why it is a problem now because I have been paying business taxes and rates for the past three years. Since the Democratic Alliance took over, I have been having problems. None of my neighbours have complained,” Mahabeer said.
He said the business would move to a workshop at the end of this month.
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Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe said illegal businesses would not be tolerated. “If it is in the public’s interest, we will name and shame residents who are not law-abiding citizens. Illegal businesses will not be tolerated in Ward 132,” Deppe said.
If you think property owners should be allowed to operate businesses on their residential premises, tell us why. Tweet us your view @MidrandReporter
