A developer suffered a major setback after a court in Nairobi blocked the bid to build 512 housing units in Lavington, Nairobi.
The real estate investor had picked Lavington along Mbaazi Avenue, Thompson area for his multimillion project.
He was set to construct 16 apartment blocks on a one acre plot of land before a Justice Oscar Angote halted the plan.
“Prayer B is granted until November 2, 2023, when the case will be heard between the parties,” Justice Angote stated.
The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by residents accusing the developer of allegedly failing to comply with zoning regulations which raised environmental concerns.
Lavington residents claimed that the project would endanger their health, safety, sanitation and other socioeconomic factors.
“The proposed development by the respondents is irregular , unlawful and contrary to the interested party’s zoning policy which stipulates that development within the subject are should not go beyond four stories,” the court papers read in part.
They added that if the construction of the aforementioned residential apartments is not halted, the residents will be greatly harmed.
“The development by the respondent is shrouded by secrecy as the respondent commenced the project without putting up a project signboard and consequently making it difficult to ascertain whether the respondent obtained necessary approvals,” the court documents added.
The developer is however expected to challenge the decision.
