The 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, reports The Mercury.

Ratepayers have said while the Beachwood development near Virginia Airport will have its benefits, it will also bring negatives that will inflict pain on residents living in the area, including making housing unaffordable. 

The Mercury reported on Friday the R3.5bn development was set to get off the ground in August.

The eThekwini Municipality has stated that compliance process required for the project to commence has been complied with.

The ratepayers are challenging the development in the KZN High Court (Durban), and judgment is expected in the coming weeks.

A ratepayer, Dennis Theron, detailed in a letter a list of alleged shortcomings leading to the project being finalised, as well as the negative impact it will have on the community.

Theron stated, ‘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 … But the public has paid the price.

He said the city had ignored almost 3 000 objections from residents and that the Municipal Planning Tribunal is dominated by political office-bearers.

Full report in The Mercury