The High Court has blocked the proposed construction of an office park near Trauma Centre Hospital in Borrowdale following objections from the community.
The court ruling follows an application by Vislink Private Limited trading as Trauma Centre Hospital, arguing that the proposed structure near the medical facility would disturb the area's serenity and tranquility.
Local resident Panelope Beattie also filed a separate application challenging the proposed development citing the same concerns.
Justice Tawanda Chitapi ruled in favour of the applicants and suspended the permit that Harare City Council had granted to Condev Property Developers.
In its application Vislink Private Limited represented by Vivek Solanki cited Condev Property Developers, Harare City Council's urban planning director, the city council, and Andrew Herbst as the respondents.
"The application for review be and is hereby granted. The permit issued by 2nd respondent on 17th April 2025(reference PD/ ER/ S/ DE of S/D of Borrowdale Estate) be and is hereby set aside and no order as to costs," the judge ruled, adding that details of the ruling would be availed later.
Keep Reading
- Fresh land invasions hit Whitecliff
- Pomona cash row escalates
- Border Timbers targets European markets
- SA name strong A side for Zim tour
Solanki told the court that on June 6, 2024, they filed an application for to review the director of urban planning’s decision to grant Condev a development permit on April 17, 2024.
He argued that the permit was never served on objectors, violating due process.
Solanki also submitted that the approval process was highly irregular and unlawful, warranting its reversal under the Administrative Justice Act [Chapter 10:28].
Solanki emphasised that Ballantyne Park and Borrowdale are low-density residential zones, with narrow, tree-lined roads ill-equipped for high traffic.
Solanki said that in early October 2024, Condev Property management approached him and informed him of their intention to construct offices on a piece of land close to the hospital.
He said he was later served with a copy of Condev Property’s application in terms of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act [Chapter 29:12] section 26(3) on October 10, 2024.
On November 5, 2024 after seeing Condev Property's application, Trauma Centre filed an objection arguing that the development would endanger public safety, creating a traffic hazard and compromise patient and staff safety at one of Harare’s leading emergency medical facility.
Despite the objections, Condev Property started clearing the land and stationed construction equipment at the site.