Unapproved buildings in Nimrod Park raise concerns
If tenants occupy the flats before the matter is resolved, an illegal occupation notice might be issued in line with the National Building Regulations.
The Kempton Express recently received a complaint from a Nimrod Park resident about illegally built backrooms on a property in the area.
It was reported that the property owner continued building despite receiving a letter of demand from the CoE to cease building.
Ward 16 Clr Jaco Terblanche confirmed that the property is zoned as residential, and the building was done without approved plans.
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“The community raised concerns about the construction, fearing that adding more rooms would degrade the area.
This worry stems from past experiences when similar developments negatively impacted neighbourhoods,” said Terblanche.
He said he visited the site during the foundation phase and saw what appeared to be solidly constructed rooms.
“I reported the issue again, and the municipality investigated, confirming that the construction contravened approved building plans.
“A notice was issued to the owner to stop building, but construction continued during December,” he explained.
According to Terblanche, the CoE’s Building Control Department has referred the case to the Legal and Corporate Department. It is appointing lawyers to pursue legal action against the property owner.
During a site visit with Terblanche, The Kempton Express saw that the property does not have the typical backrooms but well-constructed one-bedroom flats.
Terblanche said the owner could legalise the development by applying to change the property’s zoning from residential one to residential three or four and submitting updated building plans for approval.
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“This situation highlights the importance of accurate information and timely reporting. I encourage residents to report similar cases to the municipality immediately so it can investigate,” said Terblanche.
CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini confirmed that the municipality served the property with contravention notices to halt stop construction.
“Due to continued non-compliance, the matter was escalated to the Corporate and Legal Department for further action,” Dlamini stated.
He said if tenants occupy the flats before the matter is resolved, an illegal occupation notice might be issued in line with the National Building Regulations.
The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the outcome will determine the next steps in addressing the matter.
