The battle between the Gupta family and irate residents of Saxonwold over an ‘illegally built’ mansion that was allegedly devaluing the upmarket Johannesburg suburb resumed this week, with City of Johannesburg officials stepping in to conduct their own inspections. The Mercury reports residents want the properties demolished as they are in contravention of the town planning scheme. Joining city officials during the inspection of the property was a lawyer representing the Gupta family, and urban planner Craig Pretorius, representing residents belonging to the Saxonwold and Parkwood Residents Association of Johannesburg (Sapra). Central to the dispute is whether the Guptas had the required municipal planning permission for alterations to their property.

The association complained that the large four-storey building was infringing on their privacy as those in the Gupta house could see into their gardens and homes. The committee was told that neighbours considered the scale of the Gupta house ‘inappropriate’ as they should only be allowed three storeys. But the lawyer for the Guptas argued that the fourth storey was simply a rooftop occasionally used for social gatherings.

Full report in The Mercury (subscription needed)