Introduction:
Development in the
city of Pietermaritzburg and surrounds is
proceeding at an unprecedented rate. Each local and district municipality
is supposed to have an integrated development plan (IDP) and spatial
development framework where land uses of all kinds are coordinated in a
planned and sustainable manner. Initially, Ashburton and its surrounds were
earmarked to have a conservation and ecotourism corridor stretching from
Bisley, through the Mkondeni Valley, to the Mpushini Valley and around to
the Lion Park. Numerous development proposals are currently being put
forward in these areas which run counter to the original planning concepts.
All the areas in close proximity to the corridor will be adversely affected
by excessive developments iro traffic congestion, increased crime,
pollution, sense of place etc.
Every development
needs to follow due procedure. In accordance with government regulations
(Schedule 1 of Government Notice R1182 of 5 September 1997, under section 21
of the Environmental Conservation Act (Act no 73 of 1989), the developer is
required to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment for a change of
land use, reclamation of land, developments, the cultivation of virgin land
etc. This includes public participation meetings where interested and
affected parties can voice their concerns and also make representation with
counter proposals.
We know of the
following developments in the area, although there are more in the pipeline,
which we need to get more information on:
Shorts Retreat
Industrial development:
Area: Erf 557 (of
556) opposite the industrial area along Shorts Retreat Rd, measuring approx
50.3 ha
EIA process:
registration of interested and affected parties and public meeting – Ref No:
EIA 7027
Proposal: to obtain
zonation of land for “General Industrial” and “Conservation” purposes.
Consultant: Peter Le
Roux, phone 082 331 5950, email: mwpler@mweb.co.za
On Tues 23 May 2006
we attended a public meeting on the proposed general industrial development
on Shorts Retreat Rd, Pietermaritzburg. Mark Puttick and Peter Le Roux made
presentations on the proposed developments and the need for development.
The proposal is to cover about half of the site with light industrial
development with the balance of approx 22 ha to be donated to the council as
a protected area. The public was afforded the opportunity of raising their
concerns which included traffic issues, illegal dumping, the necessity for
this type of development in the area, the possibility of an increased need
for low cost housing for the workers in the area as a result of this
development, increased crime levels, urban creep, drainage impacts and
pollution into the valley, air pollution, visual impacts, the ability of
council to look after this area and what control there will be on the type
of industry to be allowed. These concerns will be taken into account when
the application comes under consideration. All attendees as well as other
interested and affected parties will be notified accordingly.
Kingthorpe
Equestrian Estate development:
Farm: Vaalkop/Dadelfontein
(Lion Park Rd)
Environmental
Scoping Process – Ref No: EIA 6470. The first public hearing was held on
the 1 Dec 2005.
Proposal: Stars
Away Investments 102 Pty (Ltd) proposes the establishment of a land
development area on six separate but adjoining properties in the
Dadelfontein/Vaalkop area. The proposed development will adopt an
Equestrian Estate concept and will include equestrian, residential,
recreational and light commercial zones. The entire property will be fenced
and will include 1500 residential sites consisting of sites ranging from
(property sizes) 300m2 – 18000m2, 16 x 10 000m2 town house sites (including 18-20 units per site, up to 2 floors in height)
and one village of up to 900 units, 3-5 floors per block), and 7 ha of
commercial development.
Consultant: Neville
Hattingh, NMH Consulting, Phone 083 321 9907, email: nmhconsult@lantic.net
Ashburton
Lifestyle Estate:
Area: Situated on
the borders of the Pietermaritzburg and Ashburton Town planning schemes,
including Rem of Bellevue No. 14681 (379ha) and portion 234 (of 233)
Ockertskraal No. 1336 (98ha) (the game fenced area on the right hand side of
the highway going towards Pmb).
Process:
Application has been registered – Ref No: EIA 6944 – expect a public notice
soon. Applicant is Hillgrove Properties (Pty) Ltd together with Pinnacle
Point Development (Pty) Ltd
Proposal: Pinnacle
Point Developments want to develop 5000 residential and retirement village
units, with ancillary services and urban components. New roads will be
built linking Lincoln Meade/Bellevue with Ashburton East.
Consultant: Dr
Graeme Slade, Environmental Assessment CC, phone 082 336 6994, email: gslade@iafrica.com
Almond Bank
Residential estate:
Area: Portion 2 of
Lamontsvale No1210 and portions 1 & 5 of Leliefontein No 1175 in Bisley
Valley. Access will be via the P120 from Ashburton and Pmb.
Process: Invitation
to register as interested or affected parties. A public meeting will be
held on 12 June 2006 at 9am on the farm.
Proposal: 100 free
standing units on 282 ha of land. The building footprint is 14ha with the
remainder comprising agricultural and conservation land.
Consultant: Wolfgang
Kanz, Afzelia Environmental Consultants, phone 082 675 6045, email:
afzeliaconsulting@yahoo.com
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