How was rezoning handled?

IN response to the article, “Metro slashes huge rezoning backlog”, (August 11), we must ask how it is possible, given the current staff shortages and lack of qualified people, to complete more than 300 rezoning applications in just three days?

Were these applications simply rubber-stamped and pushed through, or was reasonable care taken to ensure compliance?

My guess leans towards the rubber-stamp option and we will be sifting through each and every one that affects us!

The article incorrectly states that the Richmond Hill SRA gave businesses an ultimatum to comply or close.

The SRA did nothing of the sort, but is putting pressure on the council and the municipality to do its job! That, surely, is not too much to ask?

A local spatial development framework (LSDF) for Richmond Hill – and the rest of the metro – has been developed and accepted, but rezoning outside of the parameters of the LSDF remains a bone of contention.

Trying to get the municipality and the council to operate properly will remain part of our future efforts!

Scott Rollo, Richmond Hill SRA, Port Elizabeth BUSINESS owners in Richmond Hill previously told The Herald they had been given compliance notices from the SRA informing them that they had been trading illegally. – The editor