The rather confused original Application now turns out to be for a 2-storey building (but 3-storeys is still mentioned) for 30 B&B rooms and staff accomodation. It is assumed that this is to be on erf 583, although many of the supporting documents refer to erf 582. There is also an application for the removal of restrictive conditions.
Many residents have submitted Objections, as has SAPRA. The main concerns are: a) the Application is totally unclear, b) the Application ignores Sections 5(3) and 5(4) of the Municipal Planning Bylaw 2016, c) there is no detail as to how the parking for 30+ cars is to be handled, d) although the removal of outdated restrictive conditions is justifiable, we disagree with the removal of the condition that disallows the sale of alcohol, e) the increase in traffic is of deep concern, f) S5 (4) of the Municipal Panning Bylaw 2016 has not been taken into consideration, g) S33 of the Constitution is not being applied, h) several sections of SPLUMA are being ignored, i) and even what is on page 36 of the Nodal Review Policy 2019/2020 is not being taken into consideration. A Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT) hearing will take place on Tuesday 1st October at 12h00 on Teams. Login details, as well as a copy of the agenda, including all supporting documents and copies of the Objections, can be sent in response to an email to townplanning@sapra.org.za. Please make an effort to attend.
The MPT took place as scheduled. The Tribunal was made up of the Chair (Cedric van der Merwe) and 5 Panel Members, none of whom was an "Independent" as called for in SPLUMA (Spacial Planning Land Use Management Act). Many of the concerns expressed by residents of SAPRA, which were based on a very confused Application, had been discussed and addressed with the Applicant in advance of the hearing. The result was a hearing that was left with just a number of minor points. The Application is now for a 2-storey buliding with 16 guest units and a restrictive condition that states "the owner of the said Lot shall not have the right to open allow or cause to be open thereon any canteen, hotel, restaurant or other place of sale of wines, beer or spiritous liquors."
The grand idea is to consolidate the two stands (erven 582 & 583). Erf 582 already was 10 guest units.
The Applicant agreed to set up a meeting with the three objectors who attended the meeting to show them the final site plan and to get their comments.
The resolution reached by the MPT held on 1st October 2024 has been received. it confirms the details outlined above. The one unclear item was that of the Use Zone - whether it was to be be Residential 1 or 3. The MPT have decided ti is to be Residentila 3. The full letter from the MPT can be read by clicking here.