Proposed housing development concerns residents

A NEW housing estate, which will see 9 000 houses made up of low-cost and middle-income homes, is set for development in the sugarcane fields near the N2, bordering Mount Edgecombe and possibly creating a link road through Sunningdale. Though details remain sketchy about the new development, members of the Glenhills Ratepayers’ Association, alongside uMhlanga ward councillor, Heinz de Boer, discussed the matter during an AGM last week.

The bottom half of Village Way, which is currently sealed off, could be reopened to offer a thoroughfare for some of the traffic expected to emanate from the development.

“At this point, what we know is that a local business will be selling a portion of the land across the N2 freeway to the city. This land will be turned into a new development which will see 9 000 houses built. I’m still awaiting clarity on the matter from the city, but what I do know is the development will border Broadlands in Mount Edgecombe.

“This could happen in the next five years if the deal goes through. There are elements of concern at this point, one of which is opening the access road that runs underneath the N2 and runs into Sunningdale. At this moment it’s still up in the air and the relevant studies still need to be conducted,” he said.

Robin Candy, chairman of the Greenwood Park CPF, said he is not concerned at this point but questioned the city’s decision.

“We are told that the sale of the land is very likely. My question is, where is the city going to find money for this project? Already there are housing delays with Cornubia, which are affecting thousands of people,” he said.