Height of house causes strife
THE developing building structure in Audley Road in Westville has triggered tension between the owner and neighbours who have questioned whether the city had given its approval.
The residents have called for the structure to be demolished saying it would devalue their properties. They claimed they were not consulted throughout the process by the owner.
“This has caused conflict because many residents are opposed to this structure and the belief is that legal processes have not been followed.
“Before the owner demolished the old house he should have notified residents because it affected our rates and property values,” said a resident who did not want to be named.
Zinhle Ngwenya feared that the triple-storey house would interfere with her water drainage system and could bring more water into their houses when heavy rains fell.
The city’s Land Use Management Unit had advised residents that the building had been constructed according to approved building plans.
However, residents insisted that the owner violated the rules of the department and the structure was different from what the city approved.
According to the land use management, the building site is zoned special residential one.
In terms of special zoning, the property can be developed into a two-storey house in terms of special residential.
Ngwenya said: “It seems like the process was by-passed because there is no way that the city would allow such a development in a residential area. We were told lies that they are building a two-storey while it is clear it is more than that,” she said.
The city’s land use management department said the proposed building complied with the requirements, as a result no public participation was required from neighbours.
“The plan did reflect a wall in excess of 3m, for which consent from the affected neighbours was sought.
“The plan was also for two dwelling units, which is ordinarily allowed, provided the applicant can prove a theoretical sub-division which was the case in this application,” said the unit.