DURBAN North residents are up in arms over the frequent rezoning of residential properties to business use in the Broadway area, specifically Adelaide Tambo Drive, arguing that it is happening without proper infrastructure.

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The Broadway precinct was originally designated with fixed business and commercial zones following consultations with the community nearly 18 years ago when the area was upgraded. However, in recent years, residents claim that businesses have been operating outside of these zones, with rezoning applications frequently approved despite objections.

Ward 36 Councillor Heinz de Boer has also raised concerns about the strain on local infrastructure.

“The northern area is already short of 30 million kilolitres of water daily. In terms of sustainable infrastructure such as water, power, sewer, and stormwater systems, this area cannot cope. Yet, redevelopment keeps happening and our enforcement agencies are failing to perform their legislative duties,” he said.

He also noted a growing trend of property owners’ applications being converted into business premises in the area.

De Boer has taken his complaints to higher authorities. A hand-delivered letter has been sent to the City’s forensic investigation unit, requesting a probe into the town planning and building inspectorate.

“The enforcement system is failing. In Redhill, two massive blocks of flats were built despite widespread objections. There has been no feedback for three months since residents demanded an inspection,” a resident said.

Similar concerns have arisen in Beachway, Balmoral Drive, Kenneth Kaunda Road, and near Northwood Crusaders, where commercial developments have reportedly been approved.

“People do as they please and then ask for approval afterward. The rezoning system needs to be revoked if it continues to operate without accountability,” he said.

“This is not just about rezoning — it’s about the future of our community. If this continues, property values will drop and property rates will increase, traffic congestion will worsen and Durban North will continue to lose its residential charm,” De Boer added.

Commenting on the industrial hub that was zoned 18 years ago, resident Nirvana Naidoo said the process is supposed to regulate businesses within designated areas, but now businesses are being allowed to operate outside the zone, even though there is no infrastructure to support them.

Naidoo and several other residents have banded to try to put an end to a residential area turning into a business hub.

“We are not opposed to growth but it has to be within reason. Businesses are popping up at just about every premises and it is putting pressure on an already compromised electricity grid. The area also experiences water shortages. The heavy traffic is also something we have to endure. There are heavy duty trucks which are not allowed on this road delivering goods to businesses,” she said.

One such case is a property on Adelaide Tambo Drive, where an objection and appeal were initially successful in blocking a business conversion. However, the decision was later overturned, allowing commercial operations. Residents say this sets a dangerous precedent.

“There are at least 10 cars parked there on week days, and the property is running as a full commercial entity rather than just a suburban office. Many of us feel as if we are being forced out of our homes,” said Naidoo.

The appeal process is also financially burdensome, with some residents spending up to R30 000 since December to challenge rezoning applications.

“They are buying up properties, changing them to commercial use outside the designated zones and converting verges into parking areas. There is no proper infrastructure for taxis, Uber services, or customer and staff parking. When will it end? ” said another resident Stuart Bastow.

The eThekwini Municipality did not comment at the time of publishing.

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