Durban Residents fight over demolition of a heritage building

GLENWOOD residents have objected to the demolition of a heritage building to make way for a student hostel in the Durban suburb.

Residents lodged objections with KwaZulu-Natal heritage watchdog Amafa, which will make the decision on the building and the effect of the proposed development on the heritage resources of the area if the demolition is approved.

Resident Tony Ball said residents became aware of the plan to build the hostel on April 30 when they received registered letters from the architects. He said there was very little information in the letter.

“The proposed hostel is expected to be 527m² with 24 accommodation units of 21m² each.

“We want to preserve the heritage of our area but we also want to protect our interests. Students do not have financial interests in an area where they live so they don’t have to be good to their neighbours and community. We anticipate noise, wild parties and everything else that comes with students.”

The head of Amafa’s built environment section, Ros Devereux, said the building was put up between 1920 and 1945.

It is afforded general protection under heritage law and a decision will be taken based on its aesthetic, architectural, historical, scientific, social, spiritual or technological value as well as its contribution to the urban landscape. Objections must be submitted by May 22 and a decision is expected on May 29.