It is not just Atholl at risk with major developments – see the extract below from a communication to Sandhurst Residents:

“It is not alarmist in the least to say that Sandhurst is under attack from development outside of what could be regarded as within the accepted norms of progress.

Development applications target massive densification (often more than 90 units per hectare) and high-rise buildings (far in excess of the current three-storey limit for Sandhurst).

There are multiple applications in for developments beyond 10 stories – sometimes 15”.

Since our last newsletter, the update on key suburb developments as below:

AARRA and residents objected to the initial decision by the Municipality to allow a 1640m2 building on the site 4 Ayr Road. The objection outlined the impact to neighbours of such a sizeable development and traffic concerns.

However, although we await the actual detail as to the outcome, the Municipality have dismissed our objection – this in effect gives the go ahead to develop.

There are now two choices – pursue the matter through the High Court, and if necessary the Constitutional Court at great cost to both parties – or engage with the Islamic Institute applicants.

Our current position is that we have 180 days to object via the High Court, but in the meantime, a number of applicants and objectors have met to discuss a scaled down version of the initial proposal which will have minimal impact on the surrounding area, all parking concerns are resolved and the development be suitable for the suburb.

Once we have made progress in this regard, we will communicate with the suburb and objectors if this is a suitable way forward.

This centre does need a makeover! The developers (PIC) have proposed a 10 storey multi use development including, Hotel, Gym, Office and Retail. Our role is to ensure the development does not impact neighbours too severely and that the increase in traffic is manageable on the roads – especially the single lane winding Wierda Road East.

We have met the developers and await a proposed way forward.

In October 2018, two Trustees – Ian Logan and Anton Jooste met the MMC for Development Planning as well as various other colleagues to discuss our concerns with development of the suburb.

We can’t say it was the most successful meeting as they are set on development. However, we raised our concerns around harmonious living, being exploited by developers and the lack of consideration to our objections. We have followed up with a letter and hopefully we can reengage in due course.

The two residents associations AARRA (Atholl Area Residents & Ratepayers Association) and our neighbouring SSRRA (Sandton South Residents & Ratepayers Association) work in cooperation with AIIWE (The Atholl, Illovo, Inanda, Winston Ridge & Elton Hill Community Support Company) for public space security.
 
Since inception in 2012, CSS – which was subsequently acquired by Beagle Watch are the appointed security company.
 
Through economies of scale, Beagle Watch are able to provide a multitude of security services from alarm monitoring with 24 hour armed reaction, cameras across the suburbs and public space monitoring.
 
If you require their services, please contact Div on 071 428 9767.