Residents pray for a solution to church near residential property

Residents recently noticed that building had started on the church which was previously a tent. As his residence is located next to the developing church, Darryl Greyling feels he, as well as other neighbouring property owners, are entitled to know what processes were followed before permission was given to build the church, and for the City to investigate objections raised by residents.

Greyling said the church does not have an adequate sewerage system and parking for the expected 500 attendants. He said sewage had already flowed onto his property on many occasions.

Greyling added, “A huge shed-like building has been constructed next door to me and [the building] is on such high ground that church visitors will see into my property, and we are also worried about the noise which will soon assail us.”

Speaking on behalf of the City of Johannesburg, Virgil James said although rezoning was approved, building was stopped at some point for an unknown reason.

“The matter was dealt with last year, it is a legally approved structure and all town planning requirements have been satisfied. The City does regular checks on the property,” said James.

The owner of the church, Dr Soji Soogun, explained, “… The church is not illegal as alleged. We have an approved site development plan and building plan for the project. The natural topography of the area is such that the natural ground level of the property stand is higher. We have already done some cutting to the natural ground level as it is to reduce the level of the foundation.”

He added that there is a plan for landscaping and the planting of trees. “We have an approved [document] which stipulates the number of parking [bays] which the church must provide, and our design has catered for that requirement from the council. As a requirement from the council, an acoustic engineer was appointed who designed and addressed all acoustic issues that should be attended to. He specified materials to be used, which were imported from overseas and installed.”

Soogun said the site development plan included a sewerage design which caters for this and was approved by council.

A site development approval letter from the City does state, though, that approval of the development does not mean approval of building plans and no portion of the land shall be raised one metre above ground without written consent from local authorities.

The place of worship consent seen by Midrand Reporter stated that consent would be granted if certain standards are met.

These include the following:

•  Number of worshippers is restricted to 500.
•  The property boundary is fenced.
•  Parking is provided for onsite.
•  Management and disposal of sewage is to the satisfaction of local authorities.
•  The place of worship is erected on site after plans have been submitted and approved by council.

Ward 110 councillor, Stephen Lamola said he is investigating the issue after residents raised their concerns with him.

President Park Residents’ Association chairperson, John Gainsford said they are aware of the church and that residents have raised concerns. “We know that last year January the church got served with notice to cease construction, but it continued regardless. Next we heard that consent has been given for the church.”

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