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-- September 2014

The City of Johannesburg

8th Floor

Room 8100

Block A

Metropolitan Centre

158 Loveday Street

Braamfontein

Dear Sir

OBJECTION TO APPLICATION FOR THE CONSENT FOR THE ERECTION/ESTABLISHMENT OF A PLACE OF WORSHIP AT ERVEN 91 AND 92 HURLINGHAM SITUATED AT 44 AND 46 ST ANDREWS ROAD, PROVINCE OF GAUTENG

  1. I hereby object to the above application. A Mosque is more than a place of worship; it is also a community centre, place of learning and venue for social functions. In this instance, the site of the property in the application is located in the middle of a residential area and is surrounded by upmarket homes. In order to prevent any diminution in property values, I object to any rezoning which is not subject to the conditions attached as Annexure A.
  1. The primary reasons for my objections are as follows:

2.1.Increased traffic congestion. Even if the Mosque were only a place of worship, this would have the effect of increasing traffic three times a day during prayers. However, because it is also a place of learning and a community centre, the traffic is likely to increase for all of the day and possible the night;

2.2.Insufficient parking. Unless sufficient provision is made for parking, the result will be not only an increase in traffic but also congestion in the roads surrounding the Mosque;

2.3.An unacceptable disturbance of the peaceful use and enjoyment of my property through the various daily calls to prayer that is associated with a Mosque;

2.4.The increase in noise and traffic arising from the various social events, community events and religious events to be hosted by the mosque and its community centre;

2.5.The operations of business activities within a residential area;

  1. In addition, I object to:
  2. the erection of any minaret or turret that has a height in excess of two storeys.
  3. the construction of any structure that exceeds two storeys including underground parking. This has the potential of creating an overlook that would damage the value and quiet enjoyment of surrounding properties.
  4. any approval of a site development plan that is not subject to my prior review and consent and to any condition that would permit amendment thereof without same.
  1. Please give me timeous notice of the day, time and place fixed for any meeting or hearing.
  1. I reserve the right to supplement the above reasons or add new ones at such hearing.

Yours faithfully

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Annexure A

In addition to the usual conditions, the erf shall be subject to the following further conditions:

  1. A building line of minimum 5 metres shall be applicable along all boundaries.
  1. A site development plan (“SDP”), first having been circulated to adjoining residential owners, the Ward Councillor and the Residents Association for comment within 21 days of delivery of the SDP, shall be submitted to the Council for approval prior to the approval of building plans.

The SDP should, inter alia, include landscaping and the retention of as many mature trees as possible, but especially those along the boundaries abutting adjoining residences; cross-sections illustrating the height of buildings; residential uses.

No additional heights, coverage or densities shall be permitted in terms of the SDP.

  1. During the construction phase of the development, construction shall only be permitted as follows:

3.1Monday to Friday 07:00 to 19:00

3.2Saturdays 07:00 to 13:00

3.3Sundays No construction permitted

  1. The developer and contractor shall take all reasonable steps to minimize noise, dust and inconvenience to residents during construction.
  1. Should the pavement of the property be damaged in the course of construction it shall be made good. On completion of construction the boundary wall and pavement shall be made neat and tidy such that the general impression of the property from the exterior is attractive.
  1. In siting the driveways for the subdivided properties consideration shall be given to ensuring that ingress and egress from the properties causes the minimum congestion on the street.
  1. We reserve the right to add any further conditions.
  1. The applicant shall satisfy the Council regarding Storm Water Drainage.