I have written to Town Planning to object to the rezoning of Morning Glen Mall as follows:

To whom it may concern:

ObjectionsPlanning@joburg.org.za

I am a resident of Morningside Manor Ext 3 and have been an integral representative of our community. This email represents our collective concerns, and I am speaking on behalf of those who are unable to voice their objections.

Recently, Mr. James Rammala from Town Planning informed our community during a recorded Teams meeting held on Thursday evening, May 16, 2024, at 6 pm, that Morning Glen Mall on Kelvin Drive, Morningside Manor, plans to rezone their building rights. He mentioned that a notice of objection was advertised in various areas, but this notice was neither visible to us nor brought to our attention, nor to the attention of our Ward Councillor, Cllr Lori Coogan.

It is important to note that Morning Glen Mall has demolished existing structures and constructed new ones since 2019 without obtaining the necessary approval from the Town Planning Division and without consulting the affected residential community. Mr. Rammala advised us of these plans only after the deadline for submission of objections had passed. This indicates that Morning Glen Mall was non-compliant and is now attempting to remedy their illegal activities behind our backs to continue their unauthorized use of the newly built section. We expect that Town Planning will not permit this, as the necessary processes have not been followed.

I strongly object to these actions and request that the newly constructed section be demolished. Additionally, I ask that the zoning rights for padel tennis, a skateboard park, open parking, and bars be revoked. The noise levels from Morning Glen Mall have been unbearable, and the building operations since 2019 have been unsafe, with the ground level constructed higher than our barrier wall. We are concerned that the construction is substandard and that no environmental impact study has been conducted.

Furthermore, the unauthorized demolition and construction activities at Morning Glen Mall have had a significant negative impact on our investments. Many residents have made substantial financial commitments to their properties, expecting a peaceful and stable environment. However, the noise pollution, increased traffic, and safety concerns resulting from the mall’s unapproved construction have made our homes less desirable. This has led to a noticeable decline in property values, directly affecting our financial well-being and undermining the value of our investments.
Your urgent attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Kind regards,
Yvonne Verrall

PS. PLEASE COULD WE GET AS MANY OBJECTIONS TO THIS APPLICATION FOR RE-ZONING BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. YOUR OBJECTION COUNTS!