The controversy raging over the issuing of a demolition permit for Port Alfred's historic Cock's Castle has taken another turn after Gauteng developer Neville Gordon was issued a permit granting permission to partially demolish the building.

But the permit, dated September 14, 2006, once again contains the provision that any person wishing to object has 14 days (until September 28) in which to do so, a contradiction of the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999, which states that objectors should have 30 days within which to appeal.

The permit was issued to Gordon after a tribunal specially convened by former sport, recreation, arts and culture MEC Nomsa Jajula, consisting of advocate Jannie Coltman as chairman, East London architect Bumi Ilori and heritage expert Professor Gary Minkley, ruled in his favour.

The building's current state of disrepair and partial demolition, the extensive delays in resolving the dispute and the costs were given as reasons for the panel's decision to recommend the issuing of the permit.

An advertisement announcing the tribunal's ruling was not placed in Port Alfred newspapers.

Eastern Province Herald
Publisher: I-Net Bridge
Source: I-Net Bridge