Deadline looms for mall bingo hall special consent objections

Bluff resident, Stuart Gillman is objecting and advises other local residents to make their voices heard about the proposed activity.

Gillman’s objections relate to the traffic impact on already congested Bluff roads in the vicinity of the mall, which underwent extensive renovation and enlargement in recent years.

“I’m at odds with this proposal on several grounds, including the traffic congestion on adjacent roads which haven’t been upgraded,” said Gillman. “This congestion is exacerbated by the reduction in the number of parking bays, which has slowed entry and egress from the mall. In addition, the mall’s entrances haven’t been upgraded to alleviate this congestion. I also believe the bingo hall is ill-advised in a suburban area where the socio-economic impact will be devastating on families that cannot afford to gamble away their meagre earnings.”

Gillman continued to say the R54-m investment in the mall upgrade should have factored in its impact on adjacent roads. “A January 2015 traffic count on Tara and Grays Inn roads noted 18,000 vehicles used these roads in a 12 hour period,” added Gillman.

“It beggars belief that council hasn’t been more restrictive in its demands of the mall owners, in terms of ensuring that adjacent roads are upgraded in light of the higher number of people being drawn to the mall.”

Anyone wishing to comment on the special consent application made by SA Retail Properties Ltd may submit these by hand to the regional co-ordinator: central resion, land use management branch, ground floor, 166 KE Masinga Road; by registered mail to the head of development planning, environment and management unit, land use management branch, PO box 680, Durban, 4000 by fax to 031-311-7859 or email nadia.ally@dubran.gov.za by Tuesday, 16 August.

Attempts to elicit a response from the marketing and centre managers of the Bluff Towers were unsuccessful at the time of going to print.