Residents ‘up in arms’ over park closure
Danville residents are reportedly against the suburb's last remaining park making way for a housing development.
Andrew Ngozo
Danville residents have petitioned to Tshwane metro in an attempt to stop the construction of a housing development in their park.
In November, the metro approved plans for the construction of housing on Erf 1442 in Danville, but now locals have requested that alternative land be used instead.
They argue the park was their last greenbelt, and feared their children would be deprived of a safe play area.
Local area councillor Danie Swanepoel said the park had been closed since November.
“Residents acknowledge the need to provide housing for all, but are not happy with the approved development. This is the last remaining public park with a swimming pool in Danville,” said Swanepoel adding the development would have major socioeconomic impact on the community.
“I am in support of the provision of decent housing but I have to take into consideration the opinions of the affected communities. While it would be in their favour to have this development they believe the park closure and subsequent housing development would be ill-advised.”
Swanepoel said the park had been closed off in anticipation of construction but no construction notice had been put up. “By not putting up the signage advertising the development, the metro is denying the community the opportunity to object to the the proposed development,” said Swanepoel adding he would submit the petition in the February council meeting.
The metro had not responded to a Rekord enquiry at the time of going to print.
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