The petrol company applied for the property to be re-zoned from Residential 1 to Business 1, with a view to using the property for a quick service restaurant.
The application prompted an angry backlash from residents, including ward councillor Tim Truluck, who said the application was in conflict with the area’s Regional Spatial Development Framework.
Shell spokesperson Dineo Pooe confirmed the application had been made by Shell South Africa.
“Shell owns this property. Shell also owns property Erf 2198 which is the service station adjacent to this residential property. We have plans to combine both properties to enhance its value proposition to the local community and customers in the surrounding area,” she said.
Pooe said the company was undertaking a national revamp of its filling stations, and that the Parkhurst garage was one of its most prominent and popular sites.
“We are always looking at ways to improve our sites and to provide convenient and reliable service to our customers.”
When asked if the company was aware that the development framework for the area limited restaurants to 4th Avenue, Pooe said the company would co-operate and comply with decisions made by town planning authorities.
Addressing some of the residents’ concerns regarding the encroachment of business, specifically a quick service restaurant, on a residential street, Pooe said, “[We strive] to provide convenient and quality services to customers by offering a broad selection of offers ranging from fuels, coffee offers, food-to-go, banking malls and quick service restaurants where demand is identified. This requires an in-depth understanding of customer needs and then developing the right offers to meet those needs. Our customers and the communities we operate in are at the centre of all our operations, and we will minimise any possible inconvenience to them.”
