Residents in Schoemansville are up in arms following the proposed rezoning of a property on Karel Street for the purpose of building a hotel.
The notice for a rezoning application was published in May, giving interested parties until 14 June to object.
Residents in Karel Street will now file a formal objection with the Madibeng Municipality. The developer proposes a three-storey hotel on erf 10, Karel Street, consisting of 26 units and 23 parking bays on the 1524m² erf.
In their objection, residents argue that the property concerned borders directly on the Magaliesberg Protected Natural Environment – (MPNE), “and the proposed land use is not complimentary to the delicate character existing here and the laid-back character presented in this area. A proposed hotel comprising 26 bedrooms is already a disturbance to the amenities of this area and will create irreparable damage to the delicate character that exists here.”
Karel Street is a quiet, narrow winding street and some of the key concerns are increased traffic and reckless driving on the already deteriorating road. Other concerns are water shortages already experienced in this area, as well as regular sewerage system problems. The electricity supply in this street is already under pressure, and residents argue that a large hotel will add to this strain on the system.
“This application for the establishment of a hotel on Erf 10, Schoemansville, is not in line with the approved development guidelines of this area, as well as the proximity thereof in relation to the Magaliesberg Protected Natural Environment – (MPNE) and it is not complimentary to the delicate character existing here and the laid-back character presented for this area is not acceptable. It is our sincere concern that the property values in all of Karel Street will be negatively affected due to all the mentioned issues. This in turn will result in a decline in the property taxes collected by Madibeng,” the residents say in their objection.