There has been another significant development at 710 Sarnia Road after AMAFA confirmed that a site inspection identified alterations to buildings for which no written heritage approval or permit had been issued.
AMAFA conducted the inspection on 7 September 2026 following concerns surrounding activity at the property.
According to Sandisiwe Qashane, Acting Deputy Head: Heritage Identification Management & Protection, inspectors obtained the property owner’s details and observed that the existing buildings appear to be more than 60 years old.
This means the structures may be subject to heritage protection provisions applicable to buildings older than 60 years.
Alterations Identified Without AMAFA Approval
More significantly, AMAFA confirmed that alterations had already been identified during the inspection.
“The inspection further identified alterations to the existing buildings for which no written approval or permit has been issued by Amafa,” Qashane said.
AMAFA has subsequently contacted the property owner in writing and requested that the necessary application be submitted for any work undertaken without the required prior written approval.
The heritage authority said the matter will be assessed once it receives the required documentation and application.
Truck Depot Remains A Municipal Matter
AMAFA also addressed residents’ concerns surrounding the reported truck depot, heavy vehicle movements, and associated activities at the property.
It stressed that zoning, land-use rights, truck depot operations, traffic, road safety, building compliance and municipal planning approvals fall under the respective municipal departments rather than AMAFA.
However, AMAFA said it would become involved where those activities affect the heritage significance, character, or physical fabric of a heritage resource.
Several Processes Now Underway
The AMAFA findings add another layer to the scrutiny surrounding 710 Sarnia Road.
The City has already confirmed that a Contravention Notice was served regarding the truck depot, giving the owner 14 days to respond and cease the illegal land use.
Questions have also been raised with the municipality concerning demolition, Building Plans, land-use approvals, and precisely what activities have been authorised at the property.
AMAFA has now independently confirmed that it has identified alterations for which its required written approval had not been issued.
The heritage authority says it will continue monitoring the heritage aspects of the property and assess any application or further information submitted by the owner.
For residents seeking clarity, the outstanding question is becoming increasingly important: exactly what work and land use at 710 Sarnia Road has been formally approved, by which authority, and what remains unauthorised?
