An artist’s impression of the Beachwood Coastal Estate along the coast in Durban North.
The longstanding battle between the developer of the multi-billion-rand Beachwood estate and local residents shows no signs of abating, with ratepayers pushing back against the project and describing it as a “slow eviction notice” for the less wealthy.
The ratepayers have stated that while the Beachwood development near Virginia Airport will have its benefits, it will also bring severe negatives that will inflict pain on the current residents living in the area, including making housing unaffordable. The Mercury reported on Friday that the R3.5 billion development was set to get off the ground in August of this year. The eThekwini Municipality has stated that the compliance process required for the project to commence has been complied with.
The ratepayers are challenging the development in court, and the judgment is expected in the coming weeks. A ratepayer, Dennis Theron, detailed in a letter a long list of alleged shortcomings leading to the project being finalised, as well as the negative impact it will have on the community currently residing in the area.
In a letter, Theron stated, “Let’s be clear: the development will no doubt be a glittering luxury estate, a world-class money-spinner, and a triumph for the developer and the City’s revenue machine. Congratulations to them. They will do very well out of it.
