Tread wisely with new roof plans
2007-07-19
MY roof was in such a bad state that I needed to replace it. Financially, Harvey tiles turned out to be the best solution.
Yes, I know Harvey tile’s profile differs from that of corrugated iron, but there are other semi-detached houses in Paarl, one half Harvey tile, one half corrugated iron.
On the second day of the construction, I was promptly stopped by the municipality. I was told that I live in a Heritage area and I’m not allowed to replace my roof with Harvey tiles.
By this time I’ve already spent roughly R36 000 on the replacement.
I wrote a letter to the Drakenstein Heritage Foundation, explaining that I am well aware of the fact that one needs to apply to the municipality for building improvements to one’s home, but I was oblivious of the fact that that included replacing one’s roof.
I was turned down.
Though I appreciate what the Foundation stands for, I find it pretty unacceptable that laws like this bear more weight than my fundamental right as an owner of property.
Shouldn’t people living in such areas at least be duly informed when they purchase the property, or when the property is older than 60 years as according to legislation?
To all of you who go past my house, enjoy the view of a heritage site at my expense - I’ll never be able to appreciate it myself as I am blind, and pretty upset.
Call me selfish? At least, my wife appreciated the water works in the house. Water freely flowing through the ceiling, the brilliant colours it made as it rushed from the light socket while we waited on a decision from the Heritage Foundation.
Wet regards.
Bertus Colyn
Len Raymond of the Drakenstein Heritage Association, replies: The property, on the corner of Rose Street and Berg River Boulevard, falls within the area of special significance and is also older than 60 years.
So special permission and a permit from Heritage Western Cape would be required. It would also need an approved building plan.
The Drakenstein Heritage Foundation would not support a Harvey tile roof, full stop.
In this case the matter was referred to the Aesthetics Committee, who rejected it. The building stands in a prominent position and the proposal was to cover half only.
The area of special significance (basically to protect the heritage value) was proclaimed in 1988. There is currently a new survey underway and the area may well be re-defined but placed under more stringent control, under the Heritage legislation.
Until then a permit from Heritage Western Cape (after consultation with the local heritage bodies) and approval from the Aesthetics Committee, is required before the work can commence.
In any event an approved building plan would have been required before work started and the owners should have ensured that this was complied with before construction started.
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