49 Waterfall Avenue, Craighall (Erf 31 Craighall)
Deadline for Objections: 11 March 2026
Application Type: Rezoning from Residential 1 to Residential 1 (15 Units per hectare)
An application has been submitted to the City of Johannesburg for the rezoning and subdivision of 49 Waterfall Avenue in Craighall.
What is being proposed
The applicant is seeking to:
- Subdivide the ±3 700 m² property into five separate residential portions plus an access portion
- Develop five dwelling houses on those portions
- Access the units via a shared driveway
- Increase density from one dwelling to five
CRA review and position
CRA has obtained independent professional planning input and has reviewed the application documentation.
While residential densification can be acceptable in appropriate locations and with appropriate safeguards, CRA has identified a number of material concerns with the current submission.
In principle, five dwellings on a property of this size could be acceptable. The issue is not density alone. The issue is how it is done.
Our focus is to ensure that:
- Existing mature trees are properly considered and retained where possible
- Neighbours are protected in terms of privacy, height and overlooking
- The established character of Waterfall Avenue is respected
- The public streetscape is improved, not weakened
- Infrastructure pressure is responsibly managed
If appropriate design controls and conditions are introduced, including tree protection measures and possibly a road widening servitude to allow additional shade tree planting along Waterfall Avenue, this could result in a more responsible outcome.
CRA’s intention is not to block development. It is to ensure that development is done properly.
Key issues in simple terms
1. Trees
The site contains significant mature trees. These form part of the suburb’s character. We want clarity on what will be retained and how replacement planting will be handled. Cumulative subdivision and redevelopment without tree retention controls may materially affect the established treed character of this part of Craighall. No tree survey or landscape strategy has been provided.
2. Neighbour impact
There is currently no detailed information showing how building height, privacy and boundary treatments will affect adjacent properties. In the absence of such safeguards, the proposal risks introducing a development typology that is incompatible with the prevailing subdivision pattern.
3. Character
Waterfall Avenue has a spacious, treed feel. Densification applications in Craighall are occurring in a dispersed and incremental manner. Over time, cumulative approvals may materially affect neighbourhood character, infrastructure capacity, traffic conditions and public open space.
4. Public realm
A possible road widening along the frontage could allow for additional street trees and help retain the urban forest feel of the area.
What you can do
If you wish to object, you must submit a written objection before the closing date.
Include:
- Email Subject: Objection to the proposed rezoning of Erf 31 Craighall, 49 Waterfall Avenue (20-01-6436)
- Your full name and address
- A clear statement that you object
- Your reasons for objecting
Send objections to:
objectionsplanning@joburg.org.za
rick@raventp.co.za
Please copy townplanning@cra.org.za
Application documents
📎Motivation Memorandum Erf 31 Craighall
Queries
CRA Town Planning Committee
📩 townplanning@cra.org.za
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