GEORGE NEWS - The George Municipality halted building work started in De Mist Street, a neat and quiet street in George East, where the owners have failed to submit plans for the alterations they want to do.
A neighbour, Danie de Vries, drew the municipality's attention to the building work. De Vries is concerned that the alterations are for purposes not in accordance with single residential principles, but for student housing, and he fears that the George Integrated Zoning Scheme by-law might not be able to protect his single residential rights.
The by-law was amended in September 2017. "With the new by-law's implementation, the definition of a family residing on a single residential property was changed. It is clear that the implication of the changes was not properly considered by Council," says De Vries.
"Five unrelated persons are now defined as a 'family'. Without further municipal approval, a business may now be established, surrounded by real families residing on adjacent stands zoned for single residential purposes.
"We have been living in a single residential zone 1 area since 1985. We extended and improved our property over many years, with hard-earned money, and raised our family (two children) here."
He is concerned about the peace in the area being disturbed, as students move in and out over the years. "Future retirement will have to be reconsidered. Future owners might not be interested to buy a property next to a business like this and it may affect our property value as such. What about the many single residential stands that were bought, by persons from outside George, for future retirement purposes? Were they consulted or at least given notice?"
The amended section of the George Integrated Zoning Scheme by-law referring to family and unrelated persons.
The owner of the house where building was started could not be reached for comment. The building work is not visible from the street.
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