CONCERNS have been raised about a building currently under construction on 61 Montclair Road, which many residents suspect is being developed for use as student accommodation.

Ward 64 councillor Norman Gilbert confirmed that he has been approached by residents to attend a public meeting called specifically to address the growing unease over what locals describe as a rapid and unsettling rise in student housing within the suburb.

Gilbert said residents are worried that the increasing number of student accommodation units is altering the character of their once quiet and close-knit neighbourhood.

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“Residents have expressed that the influx of a largely temporary population has changed the character of what was once a peaceful and closely knit community,” he said.

There are several student accommodation buildings near Montclair Mall, where residents have raised concerns about loud music and noise disturbances from students.

He said due to the nature of student life, with a primary focus on studies and leisure activities during downtime, there have unfortunately been recurring incidents involving loud music, parties, and other disruptive behaviour.

“This has caused tension between long-term residents and student tenants,” said Gilbert.

He emphasised that residents are not opposed to students living in the area, but feel strongly that a more managed, respectful coexistence is necessary.

“I understand that residents are not opposed to students living within the area; however, it is important that an environment be established where both permanent residents and students can coexist respectfully and harmoniously, ”he said

Beyond noise and nuisance concerns, he said residents also fear that the proliferation of high-density student housing is having a negative impact on local property values.

Gilbert said he remains committed to working with all stakeholders to find balanced, practical and lawful solutions that protect the interests of the entire community.

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The date for the public meeting is expected to be announced soon as tensions mount over the future of Montclair’s neighbourhood landscape.

The contractor of the project, Kevin Reddy, said the building will not pass Land Use Management without the appropriate zoning certificate.

“The development will not pass the Development Application Approval without the Amafa Consent. Notices were served upon immediate neighbours by registered post as required by the KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute Act,” said Reddy.

Attempts to obtain comment from eThekwini Municipality were unsuccessful as the City did not respond at the time of publishing.

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