ALLEGATIONS have been slung back-and-forth between residents around the Natures Valley housing complex on Riverside Road, and the developer and landlord behind the complex’s conversion to student accommodation.

Also read: Umgababa chief’s death shocks community

As tensions rise, a litany of concerns were brought forth by neighbouring residents, and Steven Shimmings, chairperson of the body corporate of the Evergreen complex, which comprises 30 units, condemned the use of Natures Valley as student accommodation. Similar frustrations were echoed by residents of surrounding complexes, Walnut Grove and Villa Esperanza, both of which directly border Natures Valley.

Residents’ concerns

“Who is going to buy a place that is next to student accommodation? Noise levels have substantially increased within our area and we have already noted devaluation of properties all around Natures Valley. We’ve already noticed from our property students filling up the units there,” said Shimmings.

Shimmings raised concerns about whether the infrastructure will be able to handle the added load to water, electricity, refuse removal and sewerage management.

The residents have over the past year been engaged in email correspondence with the eThekwini Municipality’s Development Planning, Environment and Management Unit, sending photographic evidence in the hopes that investigations are done into whether the complex can be used as student accommodation and the proper procedures have been adhered to.

The developer’s side of the story

Owner of the property, developer, Mohamed Suleman, of Eden Moon Trading, met with the SUN to address community concerns regarding Natures Valley.

He asserted that students that have been living in Natures Valley since February live in a three bedroom apartment. “They have got a kitchen, a lounge and for every six students, there are two toilets,” he said.

Suleman, in turn, alleged that one of the complainants living in a neighbouring complex spied on female students who were naked in their units using a set of binoculars.

The property is leased out to Nishi Govender, who lets out the units to students, as well as regular renters. She added that those living at Natures Valley abide by a strict set of rules. There is also around-the-clock security making sure to keep noise at a minimum after 22:00.

Govender submitted her application to let out Natures Valley to students in November last year. In addition, the complex has been accredited by National Student Financial Assistance Scheme (NSFAS) as student accommodation. Both Suleman and Govender said that everything is being done above board and in adherence to the law.

When approached for comment, students living in Natures Valley echoed sentiments of a generally positive experience marred by some neighbouring residents’ alleged retaliatory actions, including spying on them with drones and binoculars.

Also read: Husband sentenced for trying to have wife killed in Winklespruit

Councillor responds

Ward 97 councillor André Beetge immediately called into question the developers’ response, adding that according to available property and planning information, the complex is still zoned as a general residential property under eThekwini Municipality’s town planning scheme.

“This zoning category generally permits residential uses such as flats, townhouses and sectional title developments intended for normal residential occupation. While a request for a zoning certificate has been acknowledged, no special consent application to convert Nature’s Valley from residential use to student accommodation, has been received by the town planning department,” said Beetge.

He further explained that this would ordinarily require formal notification and an invitation for public participation, allowing affected residents and stakeholders the opportunity to submit comments or objections before any decisions are taken.

“We can further confirm that contravention notices have been served by both the town planning department and the building inspectorate. It has also been reported that municipal officials tasked with addressing the matter have experienced significant animosity and resistance, including threats referencing perceived political alignment. Acceptance of suitable accommodation by the NSFAS raises serious concerns, as even applying for special consent, of which no record appears to exist, development can only proceed once a decision notice and approved plans are in hand,” said Beetge.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.