Objection to the proposed rezoning of 179 South Rand Rd from Residential 1 to a place of Worship

Objection to the proposal of rezoning and changes in conditions as per the land development notice for Portion 38 of Erf 34, Klippoortje Agricultural Lots, situated at 179 South Rand Road, Klippoortje Agricultural Lots, Germiston

We, the LamDel Residents Association and the residents of Germiston, Ward 39, hereby object to the proposed rezoning of Portion 38 of Erf 34, Klippoortje Agricultural Lots, situated at 179 South Rand Road, Klippoortje Agricultural Lots, Germiston, from Residential 1 to Community Facility for the purpose of a place for worship.

We furthermore oppose all and any of the proposed conditions to be removed as detailed in the Land Development Application Notice.

The grounds of our collective objection are as follows;

1.      The electrical infrastructure cannot cope with current demand and additional demand will compromise the state of supply further and have a direct negative impact on all residents

2.      The location of this property is on the corner of 2 streets and the increase in traffic on this intersection will negatively impact all road users utilizing this busy route as well as neighbours and residents and property owners in the direct area and neighbourhood

3.      There are no parking facilities, which will lead to cars being parked in the streets, blocking roads and blocking driveways and most likely also result in the open areas and pavements in both South Rand Road and Wiletta  road being used as parking.

4.      Traffic management and by-law infringement is already not managed and applied in our suburbs; this facility will increase the burden on our strained EMPD services.

5.      Increase in traffic will further impact the poor state of road surfaces and increase in potholes

6.      Speeding and increased traffic in South Rand road, Wiletta roads and the roads leading to these roads will increase the risk of accidents and injuries to pedestrians and road users

7.      Sewerage and water infrastructure is under strain just with current demand, this proposed church/place of worship will significantly increase the demand on water consumption and pressure on the sewerage system and negatively impact the community

8.      Waste management is not coping with removing the current waste generated by residential properties, often times skipping collection days and waste being piled up, general street clean up and waste removal from open areas is not happening as it should, this facility will generate more waste to be collected and increase waste and rubbish in the street, open areas and pavements, resulting in more strain on the overburdened waste department

9.      Increased and high levels of noise disturbance due to bands, instruments, music, singing and praise and worship, will indubitably be part of the cause, which will also be played through sound systems as used in churches/place of worship

10.   Increased foot traffic in the area

11.   Risk of criminal elements coming into the area under the guise of “worshippers”, either by vehicle or by foot, our law enforcement is already not coping with crime in the area and does not have the resources or manpower for increased risk management and reaction

12.  There are already several churches in the area, the closest only a block away in cnr Whitehaven and Wiletta and then also on Cleator street corner South Rand road.  There is at least 8 churches in a radius of 1800m, some of these facilities are also utilised by 2 different congregations, we certainly don’t need another church. .

13.   Our property valuations increased, and we are paying higher rates and taxes, the impact of this facility will degrade and devalue the area, but we will still be paying the increase in rates and taxes.

By signing this petition I agree to the appointment of an community representative fo the purpose of hearings.

Your personal information is required as part of the petition requirements to validate the signatures and authenticity thereof, it will be kept safe in accordance with POPIA standards and will only be shared with LamDel Chair and Vice Chair and as part of the petition submission.

Chairperson LamDel Residents Association

LamDel Residents Association    Contact the author of the petition