FOR years, Durban North residents at the bottom end of Umhlanga Rocks Drive (URD) have been plagued by two abandoned and derelict properties which have attracted not only mosquitoes and rats, but also vagrants and prostitutes.
However, the locals were recently horrified when they discovered that the owner of the properties now plans to consolidate them and build a five-storey block of flats in the area.
Last week the Northglen News met up with several homeowners who voiced their concerns and objections to the proposed development earmarked for the section along URD situated between Sandra Place and Kingston Road.
Adv Zak Narain, a resident of Sandra Place, said the owner has applied for a rezoning of the property from a special residential 650, which only allows for one house per property, to a general residential 3 property, which would allow a five-storey building consisting of 23 flats.
Community concerns:
“The notification placed on the gate of the property does not describe the enormity of the problem and only once you have seen the proposal at the municipal offices does one realise the huge impact it will have on the area and residents,” he said.
Narain said privacy and noise pollution as well as the environmental and visual impact of the development were the primary concerns of the locals.
“The proposed building is much bigger than any other structure in the vicinity and will be a major invasion of privacy. Residents adjacent and across from the proposed development will have the inhabitants of the 23 flats peering down into their lives, and this is unacceptable,” he said.
Keith and Laurelle Barnett, who live on Umhlanga Rocks Drive, said traffic was also a major concern. “The road is already so busy. This development will definitely increase the traffic along this road. And while the proposal does make mention of parking for the flat owners as well as limited visitor parking, we are concerned about where additional visitors will park,” said Laurelle.
Alan Barnard, a Kingston Road homeowner who formed the concerned residents group, echoed her sentiments, saying, “The proposed high density development would also exacerbate the already dangerous traffic intersections into URD from both Sandra Place and Kingston Road.”
Narain also said the property would be an eyesore and raised homeowners’ concerns regarding the devaluation of their properties. Dozens of residents, he added, had already submitted their objections.
Ward councillor Shaun Ryley urged the locals to make use of the public participation process and to voice their concerns and objections regarding the proposed development.
- Residents have until 18 April to submit their objections via e-mail to Malcolm.Moonsamy@durban.gov.za.
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