adminH-Metro Reporter
THE developer, who had illegally built an additional structure at a new block of flats at the corner of Ascot Road and Huntly Road in Avondale West, has demolished the extension.
The demolition, which started last week, will be concluded sometime this week.
This comes after the developer admitted that the extension was illegal and agreed to demolish it following engagements with the City of Harare’s Development Control Unit.
City of Harare acting chief development control officer, James Mazvimba, on Wednesday informed residents that the developer had undertaken to pull down the structure, after its illegality was established.
“The developer at corner Ascot and Huntly committed to demolish the structure that is illegal to avoid extra costs,” Mazvimba said in a message to residents.
Earlier, the City of Harare’s town planning enforcement arm, Development Control, had questioned the extension.
Residents had also queried the extension, as it overlapped the boundary line, and was almost on the road.
In a statement, Mazvimba said the extension seemed to be an afterthought to approved plans.
“The position is that the area is zoned for flats development. “This means that flats are freely permitted, subject to building plans being approved by Council.
“I can also confirm that the proprietor obtained the necessary plan approval before commencing construction.
“We queried the large double storey structure, right on the boundary, which was added as an afterthought long after the flats had been completed,” his statement read.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter