eThekwini council to decide on student residence proposal at Newlands East mall

A prominent shopping mall in Newlands East could also accommodate a student residence if an amendment to the land use scheme is approved at an eThekwini council meeting on Thursday.

The proposed amendment of additional control to allow for a student residence on Marble Ray Drive was discussed at an Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday.

 A report from the eThekwini Economic Development and Planning Committee explained that: 

• The proposal aligns with the strategic intentions of the municipality, specifically the Newlands sub-area of the northern urban development corridor, Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma, and KwaMashu (INK) local area plan. This plan encourages mixed use, and the redevelopment of the existing Marble Ray complex provides a balance of commercial and residential usage. 
• The composite commercial and residential usage is appropriate in this context as the area is characterised by a plethora of mixed uses, including several offices, medical facilities, a veterinary clinic, a supermarket, and a fueling station. The proposal is not anticipated to impact on the surrounding residential developments and land uses. 
• The retail commercial component will be retained, and the student residence will offer a residential opportunity for quality student accommodation.

The municipality stated that conditions included that the student residence component is to be restricted to 138 students. Any increase in the number of students must be approved by the eThekwini Transport Authority. 

"There are no financial implications because the developer will be responsible for all costs associated with implementing the proposed additional land use of a student residence," the municipality stated. 

The matter will come to the eThekwini council on Thursday for the amendment of additional control to allow for the student residence in addition to the caretaker's flat, which is the only residential component permitted currently in the special zone. 

The existing shopping centre will remain, with the intention of expanding it to augment this current building with the student residence. 

The proposal is expected to have positive financial implications, with the city anticipated to benefit from an increased revenue base. The municipality stated that there was sufficient infrastructure to accommodate the students. 

The municipality stated that objections received during the public participation stage of the application were presented and responded to comprehensively as part of the planning evaluation report to the joint advisory committee.

New Dawn Park Residents Association Chairperson Anthony Pierce said it was disconcerting that the municipality has ignored the petition objecting to the developer's plan.

"A detailed submission accompanied the petition. All that we have received from the municipality is an acknowledgement of our petition. The primary objection to the intention of the developer is the social ills that accompany this type of accommodation. We are hoping that common sense will prevail," he said. 

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za