Residents object to student housing project

Residents of Auckland Park, one of Johannesburg’s oldest suburbs, are confident that Century Property Developments will fail in its bid to proceed with a student housing project, which the city has already rejected.

Residents opposed to the project argue that Century is building student housing illegally on Streately Avenue, without the right zoning approvals. They fear this will devalue surrounding properties.

Century claims the city unfairly shut down the development in May, threatening to arrest its workers. CEO Mark Corbett said Century would challenge the city’s decision in court on Thursday. He said the project would help alleviate the severe shortage of student housing, bring densification to the suburb while supporting the bus rapid transit (BRT) route.

But Jane Griffiths, speaking on behalf of residents, said: “On behalf of the 120 objecting residents, we are opposed to a development that is grossly inappropriate for the area and contravenes the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act; Act 103 of 1977.”

Corbett said the University of Johannesburg’s four campuses were located in the area and needed more student housing. He said it was unfortunate that the company had to go to court to prove it was operating within the law on a project that would deliver more than 200 units.

“The area is a student hub and there is demand for more housing. This development lies along the [Rea Vaya] BRT route and for this public transport to work developments have to take place around it. We have always built within the law and our student housing development is no different,” he said.

But Griffiths said: “It is an absolute fact that a four- and six-storey, dense, 800-student housing block built opposite a two-storey residential suburb will derogate the value of the neighbouring properties.”

City of Joburg acting director of development planning Chris Dyani said the project’s site plan was still being considered.