A GROUP of Durban North residents has voiced its opposition to an application for rezoning a residential house to a mosque in Kenneth Kaunda (Northway) Road.
Fears over increased traffic, noise pollution, and house devaluation were some of the issues raised when some concerned residents met with Northglen News last week.
One concerned resident, who did not want to be named, said their concerns were not racially or religiously based, but rather on the negative impact the mosque would have on traffic in the area.
“Kenneth Kaunda is one of the most traffic congested areas in Durban North. There are four schools, which includes a pre-school, within a 2km radius from the proposed site. Many of the residents that I’ve spoken to have also said they were not aware of the plans, despite the claim that registered letters were sent out. I believe protocol has not been followed,” said the resident.
“It is a residential area but the sheer size, calibre and overpowering appearance of the planned building won’t allow it to blend in. We have no problems with the religion but a mosque in that location is out of the question,” she said.
The planned mosque would accommodate 50 parking bays which includes an underground parking and a drop-off zone.
Kavi Soni, a town planning consultant representing the applicants said due protocol was followed with regards to the provisions of the legislature.
“From our view, we have complied legally and are duly satisfied the provisions of the planning and development act have been complied with. We were provided with a list of parties to be notified which are determined by the municipality, including properties within a 100m radius of the applicant property and accordingly sent out registered letters to each of the listed parties.
“In addition site notices were placed on the property and adverts in two languages were published in The Mercury and Ilanga. All forms of notification outlined what was proposed, where documents could be inspected including the appropriate times that the documents were available for inspection. On this basis, any claims that due protocol was not followed are not true,” he said.
Soni added the process was underway and ultimately, the municipality would have to review the application and the objections before making a decision.
A trustee of the planned mosque moved to allay residents’ fears. He said concerns of noise pollution were unfounded, because the Azaan (call to prayer) would not be broadcast over loud speakers.
He also said the property was used presently for worship purposes and as a community meeting place with nothing expected to change if the planned mosque gets the tick of approval.
“We are not going to have any rush of people coming to this place. The Muslim community has steadily grown over the years and the demographics of the area have changed. This centre is meant to serve the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the community to a place of worship.
“We would encourage any debate on the matter. We are quite happy to meet with community and religious leaders from across the spectrum to discuss this further. We have followed due protocol, now all we ask is for the residents to follow theirs,” he said.
If residents wish to object or query the planned rezoning, email kavis@sivest.co.za and allopip@durban.gov.za before 11 May.
