Patterson Park development a worry for residents
ORANGE GROVE- The Paterson Park development has long been a topic of discussion between the City of Joburg and the residents of Orange Grove and Norwood, in which about 80 new residential units will be developed, with the remainder of the land still functioning as a park.
The Paterson Park Precinct Plan of 2005 lodged a town planning application on a portion of the park to create a low-density residential development on the site known as Victoria Ext 3.
In 2013, the City’s vision for the area changed and new planning processes were undertaken to guide development in the area, specifically for Paterson Park. The City stated that social infrastructure, schools, clinics, police stations and government offices would be strategically located to support the growing population.
The intention of the plan is to allow for more people to live closer to their workplace and be able to work, live and play without having to use private motorised transport.
The Joburg Property Company (JPC) indicated that the intention was to offer safe, affordable and convenient buses, and encourage cycling and walking to reduce the domination of carbon-burning private vehicles.
The plans, however, have been opposed by Norwood Orchards Residents’ Association (Nora). Nora has encouraged all residents of surrounding suburbs, and anybody who cares about the area, to object to the proposed rezoning.
Nora chairman, Brett McDougall, raised concerns regarding the development. “[There will be] 2 106 to 4 212 additional cars introduced into the area. All public schools in the area are overcrowded and underfunded. Where will an additional 2 000 to 4 000 school-age children be educated? The plans do not include any additional educational facilities,” said McDougall.
He added that six- and 10-storey buildings were planned to be constructed next to single dwelling homes, decreasing privacy and making the area a less desirable place to live.
Executive manager of client business operations of JPC, Fanis Sardianos said, “The community has the right to object to the proposed development as per the town planning scheme.”
JPC has indicated that all objections and comments, together with the applications, will be considered by the City and Planning Tribunal Committee after hearing all the representations.
Sardianos added, “A decision will then be taken by the committee on the outcome of the presentations submitted.”
