Derelict, dilapidated and dangerous North Coast buildings pose serious risk

Incomplete buildings and abandoned construction projects still dot the coastal landscape in key areas and pose a serious danger to neighbours and adventurous tourists, notably in Sheffield and Willard Beach.

The derelict hotel site at the entrance to the town from the M4 is one example, but not all hope is lost. Apparently it is to be rejuvenated as a new Koi-Living project by Extra Dimensions, advertised as a glamorous work and living hub which will likely break ground in March 2020.

Another example of a building that has been restored is the Big Blue restaurant on Compensation Beach Road, which has been refurbished to present itself as the new Ocean Basket – a testament to the fact that derelict beachfront properties can still be restored.

A building under constant public scrutiny is the structurally failing and dilapidated house on the beach off Kudu Road, which has been hanging on the edge of the shoreline at Willard Beach since the severe storm of 2007.

A visit to the property reveals evidence of habitation by vagrants, drug use and artistic graffiti by tourists.

The house shows severe signs of structural collapse and neighbours believe should be cordoned off for reasons of public health and safety as it is accessed easily off the beach.

ALSO READ: Abandoned Ballito house must go

Not all properties that are left abandoned or incomplete are as they seem however, and each case in Ballito is no different. Objections, interdicts and administrative hiccups stop building works in their tracks – and the expense to resolve them is often more costly than the build completion itself.

Local architect Duane Fishwick, approached for his firm’s design eye on the North Coast, told the Courier why he prefers to loosen his grip on certain projects that involve these elements in the process of plan submission for council approval.

“There is a general lack of information to the general public about building controls and estate agents who sell properties with a view, for example, don’t inform their buyers that their may be a development on properties in front of it that may one day impede their view.”

Stands are bought in already developed areas with the potential to build in accordance with agreed and set town planning controls, but neighbours who have enjoyed the property being vacant often become upset because of the lack of insight and misconception they have regarding detailed town planning elements, such as bulk area, coverage or building height which determine the size and scale of a potential house.

“Property owners need to understand that a view is merely a temporary privilege and should another property start building well within its site controls, the owner is well within his rights to continue building. What happens, however, is that applications to relax certain building restrictions are approved accordingly at council with an appropriate architectural ‘trade-off’, and when neighbours object, the development comes to a standstill,” said Fishwick.

ALSO READ: The haunted house of Seatides

A property on Llewellyn Drive, Sheffield, has been partially developed for over four years with a similar history, as explained by the estate agent currently hosting the site for sale.

Bought roughly 12 years ago as a potential boutique hotel site for its size, the neighbours objected to building elements which drove the owner to sell the property to a new owner who changed the design to a luxury home, but frustrated with the red tape and objections, has decided to put the property up for sale once again at a bargain for someone willing to see the patiently see the process through, according to the estate agent.

As a result of this, the derelict property stands miserably like a rotting husk among the wealth of beautiful dwellings in Sheffield, devaluing the neighbouring stands and making the street a generally undesirable direction from which to view the spectacular ocean vista.

The municipality was invited to comment on the matter, but has not replied.

Download The North Coast Courier mobile app, now available free from the Apple iStore and on Google Play, for IOS and Android phones.