The Land Use Development Management directorate within the Department of Development Planning has started advertising land use applications as required by the City’s Municipal Planning Bylaws.
The decision came after the Department considered various ways in which interested parties could have sufficient viewing points to inspect registered land use applications that have been advertised.
The following options have been put in place for members of the public to view applications:
• Allowing advertisements/notices, with the inclusion of a clause that the owner/agent/applicant will be responsible to provide any interested party, on request, with a copy of such documents
• Placing application documents on the City’s e-platform for public inspection
“Members of the public will also have the opportunity to inspect applications at the City’s Metro Link, which has been identified as the point of entry for Development Planning walk-in services,” says Cllr Lawrence Khoza, the MMC for Development Planning.
Khoza adds that a desk will be placed at the Metro Link for interested parties to inspect applications only by arrangement and on request.
The Department will soon release a notice relating to the extension of the objection period for all land use applications that were advertised; and/or had closing dates that fell within the period of the Covid-19 lockdown Alert Level 5 and 4 (i.e. 26 March to 31 May 2020).
All applications in this category will be extended by a further 28 days to allow for sufficient public participation.
“I would like to thank industry stakeholders and residents for their patience and for allowing the Department the opportunity to seek efficient ways to provide services during the lockdown. We do understand the inconvenience caused, and that it posed a challenge for many. We want to re-affirm the Department’s commitment to providing key services,” the MMC explains.
He’s wished all officials in self-isolation at home and those recovering from Covid-19, a speedy recovery.
“The Department has reported numerous coronavirus cases, leading to the short and sporadic closure of various units for decontamination and deep cleaning. All employees are encouraged to adhere to the Covid-19 safety precautions provided by the City’s Health Department. Please remember to maintain physical distance, always wear a mask and wash or sanitise your hands regularly,” Khoza urges.
