Two faith-based organisations have purchased land in the Atholl area recently with the intention of establishing a place of worship in the suburb.
The first was the purchase of a property on the corner of Dennis and Ayr roads for a proposed mosque and Islamic school. The second is the purchase of 120 South Street corner Atholl Road, and the adjacent property which has been bought by the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
One of the Atholl Area Residents and Ratepayers Association’s (AARRA’s) primary concerns is to ensure that all proposed developments comply with the registered Atholl Area Precinct Plan and that unapproved densification or developments outside the property’s zoning are not permitted. AARRA’s vision is for a safe, peaceful neighbourhood where property values are enhanced and safe streets and public facilities benefit all residents.
Neither property is zoned for commercial/religious development, and both proposals are in violation of the Atholl Area Precinct Plan, which is a legally binding document lodged with and accepted by the City of Johannesburg. The property on Dennis and Ayr has residential rights while the property on 120 South Road is zoned for a guest house.
Objections to the proposed mosque were submitted to the City of Johannesburg and a tribunal date is awaited.
AARRA wrote to the owners of 120 South Road advising them that there is no planning permission for a commercial enterprise in terms of the legal directive of the Precinct Plan.
In order to ensure that buyers do not purchase land for commercial gain, AARRA has made contact with estate agents operating in the area to make them aware of the Precinct Plan and to advise them that purchasers are required to comply with existing restrictions and zoning status.
Details: www.aarra.com or atholarra@gmail.com
