A 70-YEAR-OLD home in Durban North may soon be demolished to make way for a 42-unit development, and residents opposing the project say the KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute is their last hope of stopping it.

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This comes after residents lost both their objection and subsequent appeal against the proposed development at 43 Stirling Crescent. With all municipal channels exhausted, they have turned to Amafa, the only authority able to halt demolition due to the building’s age.

Matt Hansen, spokesperson for a group of 27 objectors, said residents have notified Amafa of the failed appeal and asked the heritage body to ensure due process is strictly enforced.

“The building is possibly over 60 years old. We have aerial photographs from 1956 and 1961. We’re hoping Amafa will consider this before any irreversible decisions are made,” said Hansen.

Residents argue the approval of the high-density development contradicts previous municipal decisions in the same road. In 2022, the City rejected a proposal for a four-unit complex at 41 Stirling Crescent, citing concerns about bulk, scale and disruption to the suburb’s residential character.

“Yet now a far denser 42-unit complex right next door has somehow been approved. It makes no sense,” said Hansen, calling the situation “inconsistent and alarming”.

Residents fear the large development will increase traffic congestion and place further strain on municipal services, including an already unreliable water supply. They say the rapid rezoning of Durban North is eroding the quiet residential environment long associated with the area.

“The approval of this application has set a precedent that permanently alters the character of the suburb. We are not opposed to change or improvements but within reason,” he said.

According to Hansen, Amafa advised that once the developer applies for a demolition permit, a formal public consultation period will follow, during which residents will be able to lodge objections stating why the building should not be demolished.

“EThekwini Municipality EThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana said when a building or property is over 60 years old, it does not automatically confer heritage significance.

“In terms of applicable heritage legislation, any determination of heritage value rests with AMAFA aKwaZulu-Natali, the provincial heritage authority. Any heritage-related requirements- including the need for consent, a demolition permit, or the submission of a heritage impact or demolition report-will be addressed during the building plan submission and approval process,” she said.

“Should AMAFA determine at that stage that the structure holds heritage significance, the required approvals and permits will need to be obtained before any work can proceed,” added Sisilana.

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