By Staff Writer
AFTER four years of a protracted legal battle Norton Town Council has given a land developer Capevalley Private Limited the green light to service stands that has stalled over development permit.
Norton Town Council had cancelled a developmental permit to allow Capevalley Private Limited to develop Swallowfields land in the process allegedly prejudicing potential homeowners.
However last year the High court ordered Norton Town Council to offer the land developer a development permit to allow for the service the land, a project that has been earmarked to be completed in six years.
This month, Norton Town Council served Capevalley with the a development permit to proceed with completing various developments on the land.
According to the permit, Norton Town Council instructed the company to submit building plans, put in place sewer pipes and provide borehole water to residents awaiting connection to the Council.
“A huge blow to the Norton community residents being vindicated, loss of investment for Capevalley Properties and Norton Town Council in terms of housing targets, income generation and approvals and endowment.
“In the four-year battle we were disheartened that some of our clients transitioned to the Lord before seeing their investment materialising. Their families were impacted and affected gravely. We made it our effort to fight for our clients and the investment that has been injected into the project.
“Various matters were referred to the High Court regarding the issues of cancellation and re-issuing of the Subdivision Permit and EIA Certificate. Finally, through an Order of the Harare High Court, we managed to get the Subdivision Permit renewed as well as the EIA Certificate,” said Primrose Chakuchichi
The gated community has approximately 1550 stands consisting of commercial, residential and school, a first one in Norton.
“This development is expected to have a positive impact on the local community. Residents would benefit from job creation and eco-friendly system, Capevalley and Norton Town Council through approvals, income and rates.
“We are committed to responsible and inclusive development, we work closely with local authorities, partners and community stakeholders to ensure projects are aligned with community needs,” said Primrose Chakuchichi Capevalley Properties Managing Director.
Local authorities have been at loggerheads with land developers over stands that has resulted in potential homeowners being prejudiced.