Calls for intervention as Bryanston is wrapped in outdoor advertising
Ward 102 councillor David Potter echoes residents’ concerns, noting an increase in outdoor advertising in the Bryanston.
Residents in the Bryanston area have grown concerned about the increased number of outdoor advertisements going up in and around the area, practically overnight.
Ward 102 councillor David Potter said that his office recently received communication from a passer-by about a large-scale advertisement wrap on the corner of Main and Grosvenor roads.
While many of these large-scale advertisements may be legal and registered with the City of Johannesburg’s Development Planning Department, there is a concern about how many is too many?
“There is great concern around the existing and increasing number of outdoor advertising across the City, and the Development Planning Department and Joburg Property Company need to take urgent control of the outdoor advertising space,” said Potter.
Loyiso Tunce, spokesperson for the Office of the MMC of Development Planning, confirmed that there is no limit on the number of outdoor advertising applications that the municipal council can approve for one area.
The application’s approval is, however, dependent on its compliance with the Outdoor Advertising By-laws of 2009 and this includes distance intervals.
“The distance interval between the advertising signs approved or proposed depends on the provisions of the by-laws. For example, it is possible to have advertising signs approved within 100m of each other – provided they are positioned on different directions of travel.”
Applications do, however, go through a public participation process whereby applicants must put out a notice in prescribed form in the community newspaper in which the property in question is located. The public has 21 days from the date of publication of the notice to comment.
Tunce added that appeals are only ‘entertained’ after a decision is made by the city.
“An appeal is submitted directly to the office of the city manager as per the stipulations of the Outdoor Advertising By-law of 2009.”
Resident are encouraged to look out for outdoor advertising notices and engage in the public participation process.
Tunce said that the department, however, remains committed to weeding out illegal advertisements across the city
Residents can report illegal advertisements to the City of Joburg’s Outdoor Advertising Planning Department on 011 403 6360.
Related articles:
A stretch of Republic Road in Darrenwood to receive new electricity cables
