Business rights row: doctor did apply

AN application to the eThekwini municipality by a Durban North homoeopath for permission to use her home as a place of business has become a bone of contention in her neighbourhood.

Dr Aziza Randeree’s application is at the centre of a legal battle with her neighbour, Ian O’Byrne.

The two, who live opposite each other, have been engaged in court battles regarding the operation of her business and a vandalism allegation that Randeree made against O’Byrne.

In response to a query last week, the council’s regional coordinator of land use management, Eric Parker, said the municipality was unaware of Randeree’s application.

But Parker confirmed this week that Randeree had submitted a special consent form on April 30.

“Due to the large number of holidays during the past few weeks, the application had not been recorded, thus the incorrect information [was supplied to the newspaper],” said Parker.

“The special consent application was advertised in a Durban newspaper for comments and objections on May 9. The comment period expires 30 days after the publication of the advert, [on] June 9.”

In a court application lodged last month, O’Byrne alleged that Randeree’s business created vehicle congestion and noise outside his home, devaluing his property and increasing the probability of crime in the neighbourhood.

In a separate case, Randeree and her husband, Ebi Khan, brought charges of malicious damage against O’Byrne after their home was vandalised and the words “illegal business” spray-painted across their boundary wall.

O’Byrne was arrested and released on R1 000 bail.

He has pleaded not guilty and the case will return to court next month.