Objections open for hostel
Councillor Nicole Graham urges residents to lodge objections to a student hostel before 17 November.
GLENWOOD residents have until 17 November to lodge their objections to an application to build a student hostel at 80/84 Clark Road.
According to ward councillor, Nicole Graham, plans have been submitted for the construction of student accommodation.
“From the plans, it seems these will be small cubicles for students to rent. Builders have put in an application to build units and to build close to walls. As this is general residential they don't need to apply for rezoning, as it permits this type of accommodation. Our objection is for the relaxation of side spaces and the fact that there isn't adequate parking,” said Graham.
She said the advert for the proposed hostel had been displayed and residents had been sent registered letters and shown the plans. Now it was up to residents to lodge their objections to the establishment.
“There's a social aspect to this type of establishment. As this area is close to universities, they are popping up all over in the area. I feel there is a need for proper zoning requirements as technically there is concern about parking, as 50 to 60 people would need to be accommodated in a home which would under normal circumstances house up to four people. We have seen this with the Camden Residence hostel in Denham Place, off Clark Road, where plans were approved without taking into account the noise and traffic in the area. This will happen in areas close to universities. The city needs to take into consideration that these are residential areas,” she said.
Graham also voiced her concern regarding the needs of students, and whether these units would be big enough, whether there would be a common room and whether the quality of life would be sufficient for the students.
Anyone wanting to object can lodge a written notice with the grounds to their objections to the Head: Development Planning, Environment and Management Development Planning, Environment and Management Unit, Consent Use Division, Ground Floor, 166 KE Masinga (Old Fort) Road, Durban, or by post to the Head: Development Planning, Environment and Management Development Planning, Environment and Management Unit, P O Box 680, 4000.
