By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone – November 10, 2025: Residents of Spur View Estate have mounted a strong campaign to protect the integrity and tranquility of their community, following attempts to convert a private residential property into a French-backed school. The move has sparked widespread concern among homeowners, who argue that the project violates zoning laws and threatens the peace of their low-density neighbourhood.
In a coordinated show of solidarity, more than 30 households signed and submitted a formal objection on November 10 to Her Worship the Mayor of Freetown, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning. The petition expressed shock that a school could be introduced into the estate without prior notification, consultation, or assessment of its environmental, structural, and social impact.
According to residents, the proposed school—intended to be run by Mrs. Janice Bras on property owned by Mr. Lesley Wilson—was being established without adherence to zoning regulations or community engagement. Elderly residents in their seventies and eighties warned that the project poses serious health and safety risks, citing anticipated noise pollution and traffic congestion. They stressed that the estate’s narrow, steep internal roads cannot accommodate the influx of vehicles associated with a school.
Community members further noted that the property is surrounded by three private residences, making it unsuitable for institutional use. “This is a peaceful community. We worked all our lives to build our homes here and we deserve to enjoy the serenity of a neighbourhood that was legally designated as low-density residential,” one resident said.
The petition also highlighted broader concerns about a growing trend in Freetown, where places of worship, businesses, and schools are increasingly appearing in areas not zoned for such purposes. Residents fear that unchecked conversions could erode the character, safety, and property value of established residential enclaves.
In letters addressed to the Mayor of Freetown and the Director of Country Planning, Mr. Sahr Mark Kanawa, residents outlined key objections, including:
- Violation of zoning and planning regulations
- Inadequate infrastructure, with no parking areas, drop-off points, or pedestrian walkways
- Noise pollution disrupting the calm environment
- Traffic congestion during school hours
- Environmental and sanitation concerns from increased waste
The letters also criticized the absence of community consultation, describing it as a deviation from responsible urban planning and participatory governance.
Residents are now calling on the Freetown City Council and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning to halt the conversion and enforce zoning laws. They insist the property must remain strictly residential as originally approved.
The Concerned Residents of Spur View Estate expressed confidence that the authorities will uphold the law, protect their rights, and preserve the safety and serenity of the neighbourhood. Copies of the petition were also forwarded to the Honourable Minister and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning.