Helipad application raises concerns for residents
BENMORE – There has been an application for a helipad on the top of a building that, once constructed, will be 25-storeys high on the corner of Grayston Drive and Benmore Road near the Benmore Shopping Centre.
This according to Ward 103 councillor Vincent Earp who is concerned about how the proposed helipad will affect residents living in the area.
“The helipad is proposed to be at the top of an office block that is currently under construction and sitting at three storeys at the moment,” explained Earp.
He said there was already a lot of activity going on in the area and that a helipad would just add to the chaos.
“The building is in the CBD,” said Earp.
“There are residential units next to that building, and the fact that the helicopter will fly over residential units is worrying. The application states that the helipad is only for occasional landing, but there is no way of regulating that.”
Dawn Schneider-Kuper, a resident of Parkmore which is adjacent to Benmore, is worried about the noise disruptions that will come with a helipad and how schools in the area will be affected.
Earp said, at the end of the day, the City would have to decide on the approval of the application. He added that there was no notice displayed on the site informing residents of the application and how they could object to the proposal.
The City’s Virgil James said, “The process involves public participation, safety, noise disturbance and many other factors are put into consideration before the City can approve any application.”
This is a developing story. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Join the Joburg North Local News whatsapp group and get live news updates sent straight to your phone.
Just send a whatsapp message with your name and surname to 079 4395 345
