OBJECTION TO THE PROPOSED TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAST & BASE STATION IN LONEHILL

OBJECTION FORM

Subject: Formal Objection to the Proposed Telecommunications Mast and Base Station – Erf 322, Lonehill Ext 9, Ward 94

To:
Henco Harmse
Director and Professional Town Planner
HCCH Development Planning
Email: henco@hcch.co.za

Cc:
City of Johannesburg
Department of Planning and Urban Management
Building Control: Outdoor Advertising
6th Floor A Block, Metropolitan Centre
158 Loveday Street, Braamfontein, 2017
P.O. Box 30733, Braamfontein
Tel: +27 (0)11 407 6360 | Fax: +27 (0)11 339 1244

Project Reference: Village Church – STSG181
Applicant: HCCH Development Planning
Erf Reference: Portion of Portion 1 of Erf 322, Lone Hill Extension 9 Township
Ward: 94 (Region A)

Dear Mr. Harmse,

I, the undersigned, hereby formally object to the proposed erection of a telecommunications mast and base station on a portion of Portion 1 of Erf 322, Lonehill Extension 9, as outlined in the application referenced above. As a resident of Lonehill I am a materially affected and interested party.

I oppose this development for the following reasons:

1. Inadequate Public Participation
There was no meaningful public engagement with directly affected residents. I, along with many neighbours, was not informed of the proposal in a timely or accessible manner. This fails to meet the requirements of Section 7 of the SPLUMA Regulations and the Municipal Systems Act regarding fair public participation.
2. Environmental and Aesthetic Impact on Lonehill Park
The proposed site borders Lonehill Park, a protected green space that serves as a biodiversity refuge and natural sanctuary for the community. The mast will irreversibly damage the visual character of the park and disrupt wildlife habitats.
3. Devaluation of Property
The presence of a telecommunications tower is likely to cause a significant drop in nearby property values due to health fears, visual intrusion, and buyer resistance. This concern is supported by cases in Fourways, including Blandford Ridge.
4. Health and Safety Concerns
Despite compliance with ICNIRP guidelines, the long-term effects of continuous exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are still being studied. Given the precautionary principle and growing public concern, such infrastructure should not be installed near homes, schools, and parks.
5. Absence of Alternatives Considered
There is no indication in the submission that less intrusive options were evaluated or proposed. As per good planning practice, the applicant is expected to demonstrate that no less disruptive solution is viable.
Request for Relief
I hereby request the following:
- That this application be denied.
- That a full Environmental and Visual Impact Assessment be conducted.
- That a transparent public participation process be started.
- That independent valuation and health studies be commissioned.
- That alternative sites and technologies be explored.
Please confirm receipt of this objection and kindly ensure I am informed of any subsequent decisions, hearings, or amendments regarding this application.

Lonehill Resident and Interested Party

Your Full Name (Required)
Your Full Address in Lonehill (Required)
Date / Time (Required)