DEAR Editor:
The following situation is a representative example of what appears to be happening in many parts of the Umdoni area: the use of properties for activities not permitted in respect of Town Planning Laws.
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For most of this year, if not before, Freeland Park residents have been concerned about the presence of two or three pieces of earth-moving equipment on a select piece of residential property in Bushy Grove.
On February 27, I was informed by the ostensible owner of the two adjoining Bushy Grove erven that he had been waiting for Umdoni Municipality (UM) to pass his plans for a cottage to be built on the vacant land and that work would commence soon, after which the earth-moving equipment would be removed.
During October it became evident to immediate and other neighbours that all was not well at this site.
It was established that UM, without consultation with any neighbours, had passed plans for 3 x 100m2 dwelling units on the same erf as the existing house, as well as a further 4 x 100m2 units on the adjoining vacant land.
After many emails and visits to UM’s Building and Planning and Development departments by Councillor Shara Singh, FPRA Chairman Gareth Hampson and other immediate neighbours, the following happened on Wednesday, October 30, at a meeting, which I attended, between Shara Singh, UM’s GM Planning and Development and UM’s Manager Building Control:-
1) The GM acknowledged that the processes in respect of the planning permission had not been followed;
2) The GM stated that the approval of the plans would therefore be rescinded by UM as they had been erroneously passed; and
3) That an investigation would be carried out to ascertain how this situation had been allowed to occur;
As a concerned ratepayer in the local community, I expect Umdoni Municipality to:
4) Publicly confirm the withdrawal of the approval of the building plans in respect of the Bushy Grove erven;
5) Publish the outcome of their investigation into this matter.
I would like to thank Councillor Shara Singh for her never-ending diligence and pro-activity in looking after the interests of ratepayers of Ward 15. Her contribution is fortified by her knowledge and guidance relating to the legislation and due processes, which has helped expose these irregularities within UM.
I would also like to thank the many Freeland Park residents who have spent time and energy researching, formulating and submitting objections to UM, in respect of this and other municipal problems.
GEOFF SMAILES
** Editor’s note: Awaiting comment from Umdoni Municipality.
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