This is the opinion of Springs resident Peter Denton, who is concerned about the establishment of a vehicle repair centre on the premises.
Several shops were previously operating from the premises, but are now closed.
The council allegedly put a stop to the opening of other businesses on the premises because, as Denton believes, the hotel was declared a heritage building.
“All they need to do now, is purchase the hotel and make it into a community centre or even a home for the elderly,” he says.
Denton is also concerned that the hotel is being used as a place where ‘ladies of the night’ ply their trade.
Ekurhuleni Metro spokesman Themba Gadebe says the hotel is situated on land that is zoned as business two.
In terms of the business two zoning, shops are a primary right and can be conducted without any further land use application.
Gadebe says city planning in the Ekurhuleni Metro’s Town Planning Department did not issue any contravention notices or stop the shops from opening or operating from the hotel’s premises.
The metro did not comment on the allegation that the hotel was declared a heritage building.
