Site visit to proposed wellness centre
Both the site visit to the Brackendowns Retail Centre and the rezoning tribunal meeting occurred on Tuesday, November 3.
ALBERTON – The Brackendowns Retail Centre site inspection took place on Tuesday, November 3.
The inspection of the site was to point out physical features of the area before the proposal hearing held at the Germiston Civic Centre later that same day. The site is proposed to be rezoned from a retail zone to a mental wellness hospital and related uses zone.
Ekurhuleni Development Tribunal members, objectors as well as the rezoning applicants attended the site inspection. Naaem Khan, a member of the Development Tribunal, chaired the short gathering.
Shaun Mitchell, the advocate representing the Life Healthcare Group, pointed out geographical features of the property that they felt strengthen their case. Supporting factors he mentioned included that two shopping centres are within a two kilometer radius to the site; noise would be discouraged as the proposed facility would need a tranquil atmosphere and that the hospital would use the existing structures.
Despite there being over 800 written objections, only a few residents were able to attend the inspection. The reason stated by the residents for this was that people could not be there during working hours. One objector, who asked to remain anonymous, stated that he has been living in the area for 12 years and would not like to drive out of his way to large shopping centres for small essential items. “I want my children to be able to bike across the street to the shops,” he said.
Even though no objectors were able to attend the official hearing in Germiston, their concerns were read into the record at the meeting.
