New housing development suddenly going ahead

[Mojoman]

So I find out yesterday that construction on a new low cost housing project is going ahead approx 200m from where I live. I've spoken to some of my neighbours in the surround areas and it seems that no-one was aware of this. (and sadly once again there is another mining application lodge for the area as well....!)

Surely there should have been info boards up around the village and meetings should have been advertised so all affected parties could have been given an opportunity to hear/see what is proposed?

The project consists of 1600 low cost 3 tier buildings, that would probably equate to around 6000 odd more people in the area, an area that has no real work opportunities (although thats SA in general these days I suppose) and the aging town infrastructure already struggles to cope with what is already here, sewage flows freely and there is only one small reservoir feeding the town....

And strangely enough the existing township of GaMogale was supposed to be developed further out towards the west but now it seems they are not bothering with that area and looking to build in a new area about 2km south of the existing development.

Does one have any recourse in a situation or like this? Or are you just farting against thunder once the go ahead is given? Bit of a worry when I chucked what little savings I had into this property....

 

[Philip.]

If the application was approved by council then you won't be able to do anything. Usually they place the public participation signs that they are visible but you won't notice them or they get destroyed. But if you are directly next to the farm portion where the development is planned you must have received registered post or a letter in your post box. 

Just be on the look out for squatters, this happens when a new development is planned, people come and build a small shack then claim they are living there. They then can claim a house in the new area. Not sure how the process works but we have seen it happen in Ventersdorp and a couple other places. 

[Mokgaga'a mmakubela!]

Recourse? I wouldn’t bother! Just sell now if you can

[DJR]

So, it seems you should sell and build a shack on the property to be developed, then claim the right to live in whatever they build. Do I understand right?