A PROPOSED development in Lorraine that will be home to Checkers, Clicks and various other convenience stores has stirred up the wrath of several residents and the councillor of the area.

Although the developer and owner, Braam Lamprectht, believes that the new shopping centre will facilitate growth in the value of the properties in the immediate vicinity and improve demand, DA Ward 8 Councillor, Gustav Rautenbach, and over 50 residents are against a shopping centre right on their doorstep.

“I have received over 50 objections from residents who do not want the development of the shopping centre to take place,” said Rautenbach.

Objections include an increase in the noise level and traffic, especially public transport.

“Another point of concern is that the developer has applied for Council’s Special Consent to permit a place of amusement, like a barnyard-type theatre, with up to 450 seats,” said Rautenbach.

If approved, the 6200 square metres shopping centre will take shape on Erf 329 in Verdun Road, at the back of the existing Spar.

According to Gordon Winning, speaking on behalf of Lamprectht, the shopping centre is geared to be a two-phased development, with phase one closest to the existing Spar complex and phase two adjacent to the existing Parkhurst townhouse complex. The portion of land for the first phase had already been rezoned for business purposes in 2008, while the portion of land intended to be used for phase two is still zoned as residential.

“This is a huge contention because this erf has what does not or should not exist: dual zoning - both for Special Business and Residential 2. We have taken this issue up with the council, but we will, however, still retain a small element of residential property as a buffer to the existing residential area,” said Winning.

Rautenbach said, “I do not have a problem should the whole portion of land be utilised for residential properties, but definitely not a business portion. Should this application be approved, it will create a precedent and the Lorraine Spatial Development Framework Plan will not be worth the paper it is written on.”

The first phase, which is in the region of 4400 square metres, will be launched around September this year.

“We have already started with excavations and believe this is an improvement for the residents of the immediate areas. Focus will be on convenience, creating utility for residents to avoid having to travel considerable distances to do their monthly and convenience shopping,” said Winning.

Once finished, the centre will boast national tenants Checkers who will open a blue line store of approximately 3000 square metres, plus a Checkers liquor store and Clicks.

“A number of smaller convenience stores will initially support this anchor structure with a post office, flower boutique, small clothing store and a video outlet with ATM’s focused around the entrance to the Checkers Supermarket,” said Winning.

“The second phase will hopefully launch the demand of selected national stores that we best think will suit the area and the demographics, concentrating on a smaller Woolworth’s franchise and perhaps encouraging a Wimpy or larger national restaurant group to participate.”

According to Rautenbach, the building plans must still be approved.