Clifton has come to be known as the playground of the rich, famous and really, really good-looking. You can take a stroll around any of the four main beaches and you’ll see what the fuss is about, the stretch dubbed ‘Millionaire’s Mile’ mentioned amongst the finest in the world.

All is not exactly hunky-dory though, with many locals fuming about the proposed developments in the area between the Clifton bungalows and Camps Bay. That stretch includes Maiden’s Cove, the Glen Country Club, the sports oval and the existing parking facility. More below from IOL:

The proposal includes the construction of 34 bungalows, retail facilities and a double storey underground parking garage with about 700 spaces under the bowling green.

The tender is currently being written.

Chris Willemse, the chairman of the Camps Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association, said it had taken less than a year for the city to sell off one of the biggest assets in Cape Town.

He described the city’s public participation process as a “total joke”, and said the decision was so flawed that it would no doubt be challenged in court…

In a letter about the proposed development published in September, retired Constitutional Court judge Albie Sachs wrote: “I have no doubt that if the voices of the people of Cape Town are properly canvassed and listened to, the overwhelming majority would say no to this development.

“It would make a few developers very rich, very quickly, and destroy a scenic and recreational environment of special meaning to the less well-off.”

Sounds like residents are set to galvanise and put up a real fight, something that may be a very worthwhile pursuit given both the financial and sentimental value of the land.

In the mean time enjoy having a look at what R150 000 per day and R100 000 per day gets you rental-wise in the area.

[source:iol]