Makro hearing resumes in Lonehill

The hearing – the third day to be held will take place at the City Life Church in Lonehill.

So far, both the applicants, Makro and the objectors, the Magaliessig Action Forum acting on behalf of the Fourways residents, have presented their submissions.

The forum’s attorney Patrick Mundell will give his submission and the floor will be opened for the forum to be questioned.

The City of Johannesburg’s land use planning department will give its submission which will be followed with Makro’s right of reply.

The planning committee will decide the outcome and the parties involved will be notified.

The forum’s Tamara Oberholster said they were pleased at the large turnout of supporters at the previous two hearings.

Oberholster said, “The residents were heartened at the first hearing when chairperson Alwyn Nortje pointed out that City of Johannesburg’s land use planning department was recommending that Makro’s application be turned down.”

Makro argued that the store was needed in the area and the Fourways node, which has various businesses, should be extended to incorporate Magaliessig.

The objectors were concerned that the store would be situated next to a retirement village and the influx of traffic would be a problem.

Consulting traffic engineer for Makro Gary Hayes said the roads surrounding the store needed to be upgraded in order to ensure traffic control.