By Sharon Chimenya

RESIDENTS of the affluent neighbourhood of Zimre Park in Masvingo City are transforming their single-family low-density residential areas into cluster houses.

This concept enables developers to maximise land use by constructing more units on a relatively smaller area.

The growing popularity of this approach in Masvingo is evident from the Public Works and Planning Committee, which has received applications for change of land use under the town planning survey and transport section.

Cluster houses consists of a small group of houses built closely together, typically in a gated community or a planned development. Each cluster house has its own separate entrance and outdoor space, but they share certain amenities such as common areas, security features, or recreational facilities.

The popular concept in suburban areas offers a balance between privacy and community living.

According to the latest minutes, the committee has granted permission for advertising intention to revert the use of Plot 5 Morningside to agro-residential in the form of residential clusters.
Additionally, Allen Sibanda of 27400 Zimre Park has proposed to convert from single-family low-density to a residential cluster.

Chikati Makamure is seeking to convert his 2,911.84m2 single-family low-density property into a residential cluster, while Claudious Mafunu of 27213 Zimre Park is seeking the same with his 2,504.61m2 single-family low-density property.

The committee resolved to recommend that the applicants be granted permission to advertise their intentions in the press, as a means of public consultation as per section 26(3) of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act, for the proposed change of use from single-family low density to residential clusters.

The Public Works and Planning Committee has also considered an application by Shelter Huchu for the change of use of Stand 4958 Shakashe Drive, Eastvale, from residential to a pre-school.

“The committee considered the recommendation of the Acting Director of Engineering Services, Kudzaishe Mbetu, to allow the applicant an opportunity to advertise her intentions as a means of public consultation, in accordance with section 26 (3) of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act,” reads part of the minutes.

Meanwhile, the local authority has approved and endorsed its Master Plan Inception Report. All local authorities in accordance with the “Call to Action” blueprint are mandated to have submitted their master plans by June 30.

Primary and secondary data gathering was intensified with stakeholders such as Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe National Army, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo Teachers College, Masvingo Polytechnic College, Mucheke Light Industry Operators, Telecommunication Operators, vendors, public transport operators, various tradesmen and the Mutirikwi Sub catchment Council had been consulted.

“It was reported that surveys were carried on the state of the business centres as well as the heavy industrial area. Site visits to Bushmead Waterworks, Sewage Treatment Plant, Dumpsite and the Landfill were undertaken. A meeting was held with Masvingo RDC over issues which are outside the jurisdiction of City of Masvingo but may impact development within the City. Secondary data from various source is continually being gathered.

“It was resolved to recommend that the City of Masvingo Master Plan Inception Report be approved and adopted.”