IOL reports that the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews, told Weekend Argus that they received a mammoth of appeals and objections against the planned 337 flats, nine group houses and 16 Single Residential dwelling houses.

“The applications were approved subject to conditions set by the Municipal Planning Tribunal on 5 July 2022,” Andrews explained. “A number of appeals were received against the decision of the MPT.”

“The Planning Appeals Advisory Panel thoroughly considered the matter and recommended to the Executive Mayor in his capacity as the Final Appeal Authority that the appeals be dismissed.”

“The Executive Mayor considered the matter and after considerate assessment, decided to dismiss the appeals and approve the application.”

When questioned about the concerns made by people regarding Cape Fynbos, he stated that environmental evaluations had been undertaken.

“The application does not trigger any activities listed in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA),” he clarified.

“In deciding on the application, the impact of the development on the biophysical environment was considered and conditions were imposed to mitigate any possible environmental impact.”

Freshwater Consulting, who specialise in river and wetland consultancy, also shared their concerns over the proposed development.

“Regarding Erf 38599, we are extremely concerned about the manner in which profits seem to take preference over environmental safeguards.”

According to the group, “More than 50% of Erf 38599 shows to be “critically endangered”, with a large portion of the North being a “national wetland”.

Environmental studies classify a critically endangered area as a threatened ecosystem, and common sense classifies 337 flats as a bad idea.

[source:iol]