Warner Beach resident, Kerry Kyle, said a notice to object was sent to their house and was placed on the gate of the open piece of land at 35 Gus Brown Road, where they want to erect the tower. “The one on the gate didn’t last long before it was either blown away or removed.
The tower is set to be 35m, which will be close to 10 storeys high. Given that there are no buildings taller than three stories along Gus Brown Road and in Warner Beach, this tower will unquestionably be an eyesore. As a result, those properties close to 35 Gus Brown Road, including ours, will be devalued. Regardless of whether a property is adjoining or not, the erection of a 35m tower will devalue property across the entire precinct.
“I have two young children – what harm will the radiation from the tower do to them. The owner of the property where the tower is to be erected doesn’t even live here, so he won’t have to deal with it.” The tower is in close proximity to two Warner Beach Prep campuses. “There is also the age old home, Jabulani, close by. This is such a children-orientated neighbourhood – there are so many families with children.”
Kerry said not enough people objected to a first notice and there is only a week left to object to the building plans.
To object, send an email to Lingan.Pillay@Durban.gov.za.
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Dangers of cellphone towers
These towers have electronic equipment and antennas that receive and transmit cellphone signals that use radiofrequency (RF) waves. Research has noted that a handful of human studies exhibit neurobehavioral symptoms when around these towers as well as there is an increased risk of cancer.
The microwaves from these towers can interfere with the body’s own electro magnetic field (EMF), suspected of causing a variety of potential health problems, including headaches, memory loss, cardiovascular stress, low sperm count, birth defects and cancer.
New technology has not been properly tested and European countries are banning these towers in certain regions because the effects of high microwave radiation are unknown. Wildlife, insects and birds in the vicinity may also be affected, along with pets.
Where cell towers are needed, they should be placed at a safe distance, of more than one kilometre, away from institutions such as schools, hospitals and neighborhoods. Having towers erected in residential areas also brings in an element of criminality, as there are syndicates that target stealing the expensive batteries that are in these towers.
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