Neighbours of the property at 2 Vine Road, corner of Salisbury Street and Vine Road, noticed activities at the property. They decided to find out what was going on and found that stripping of features was happening inside. UWRA decided to investigate and we have received the following confirmation from council officials:
Herewith confirmation that an application for the demolition of the existing building on this property was officially submitted at this office this morning, 27 June 2008.
The applicant was also informed that no demolition related activities may be commenced with until such time as an official demolition permit has been issued and the applicant immediately issued an instruction telephonically in this regard.
Please note that Heritage Western Cape has already issued a demolition permit for this property/structure and that the Heritage Resources Section (Johan Cornelius) has also indicated that they will be approving the application.
In terms of the National Building Regualtions and Building Standards Act there are not really any reasons why this department cannot consider the application favourably, subject to the mormal conditions relating to public safety, noise and sut control, hours of work etc., as the relevant heritage resources control sections have already approved the demolition.
Yours faithfully
J. Theron, SECTION HEAD: BUILDING DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT
Also the building inspector went out to check the property and reported the following:
An inspection of the premises on Friday afternoon 27th June 2008 that the owner was in the process of removing the flexite ceilings in the passage and lounge.
No physical demolition of internal walls or any other part of the building were evident that require approval or permission i.t.o. applicable legislation.
However the owner has been instructed to cease with stripping the internal finishing’s and submit the necessary applications should he wish to demolish, alter or re - developed the premises this was clearly understood the situation will be monitored as necessary.
Regards
Rashaad Solomon
So it seems that City Council will approve the demolition of the building. UWRA is trying to find out if this will be subject to any kind of public participation.
The concern of neighbours and other residents is about what will happen after demolition. It is said that the owners are planning to build a block of flats on the site. The question is how that will affect the surrounding area in terms of heritage and traffic.
