Application to develop in Glencairn nature area

AN APPLICATION has been submitted to the City of Cape Town to amend Simon's Town's structural plan, paving the way for future residential development in the nature area of Glencairn.

This despite a decision in December last year by the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEAP) refusing an application from the same developer to build 65 houses on Erf 60 in the Glencairn valley.

Sandy Barnes of the Glencairn Action Group said the provincial Record of Decision indicated that Erf 60, which is part of a 30ha property owned by the Gordon's Bay Missionary Society, was not suitable for development.

The developers have appealed against the province's decision on the grounds that the "consistency ruling" was not considered.

The Urban Structure Plan for the Peninsula and the Simon's Town Structure Plan both designate the site as a primary nature area.

The Western Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework, approved in June 2009, states that urban developments may only take place within the urban edges of towns and cites.

Erf 60 falls outside of the urban edge.

The closing date for comments on the applications to amend the structure plan and rezone the area for subdivision into single residential erven with associated roads and open spaces closes on March 8.

The initial application to the province by was opposed by local residents, SANParks and CapeNature.

Cape Times

Posted at 09:00AM Feb 04, 2010 by Editor in Residential  |