News
from Residents’Association of Hout Bay
PO
Box 27031, Hout Bay, 7872
rahb@houtbay.org.za
www.houtbay.org.za
[August
05]
PROPOSED NEW PROVINCIAL LAW
We have been informed about the first draft
of a proposed new provincial law (integration of land use, environment and
heritage resources) and have acquired a copy of the relevant discussion
document (about 50 pages), which claims to set out the structure of the law,
its content and the approach and thinking that underpins the proposed
law. The deadline for comment is 26 August 2005.
There will be a Consultative Forum workshop in early September (probably 1st or
6th - date to be confirmed). Website addresses are www.capegateway.gov.za/eadp and www.megateam.co.za. Comments and discussion to be sent to
Mary-Jane Morris by email mega@megateam.co.za, fax (021) 790-5793
or post to P.O. Box 26870, Hout Bay.
APPLICATIONS TO COUNCIL
Erf 5809, Main Road (Dental Surgery): Proposed landuse departure to permit a dental surgery. Previous approval for a departure for a general medical practise has lapsed but no changes have been made to the existing building or parking area on this property.
Erven 199 &
202, Victoria Avenue No 23 & 24: proposed rezoning
from single residential to commercial for hotel. Examination of the
plans has raised concerns about the large size of the proposed building being
out of scale for a village commercial precinct. The visual impact on the Victoria Avenue streetscape of a
four-storey (excluding basement) is excessive even though the developer
purports to be fitting the building into the 8-metre height restriction. We are also concerned that this development
could turn into flats, if and when the hotel is not successful.
Erven
190 & 191, Victoria Ave: proposed 4-storey block with basement,
ground floor retail and three floors residential. The same applies here as for erven 199 and 202 with respect to
fitting the building into the 8-metre restriction. We have suggested a break in the middle of the building mass (as
discussed and agreed previously by the architect) to provide views through the
commercial building fabric so as to alleviate the effective solid wall of
commercial building that would otherwise be created. This is particularly
important as the development effectively covers three erven (rather
than what appears to be two) because one of the erven (erf 191) is the size of
a double plot. We question the validity
of the third floor and the design gymnastics required in trying to accommodate
the height limitations. We have noted
inconsistencies in the matter of the overlooking features that affect the
neighbouring properties to the west.
For example, although the window sill height in unit 11 is to be raised
to eye-level, the presence of a large balcony to the southwest corner of the
third storey renders this ineffectual.
Essentially, we find unacceptable the attempt to squeeze in an extra
floor by means of using the current existing ground line as a base for
measurement, when the dune will be completely removed on development. The proposal is for an extended over-bulk
structure of four storeys where double storey is the norm. The third floor should definitely be
omitted.
Erf
3556, Suther Close, Mount Rhodes: A proposal for two double
garages for a vintage car collection has been examined and found to be in
order.
FOLLOW UP ON PREVIOUS APPLICATIONS
Erf 2759, Victoria Road, Victor’s Kloof : proposed subdivision and removal of title deeds. Servitude has been put in place that no further subdivision will take place. No further action is required.
Erf 150, Harbour Road: Application to lease public
land. We originally objected to this
application (letter dated 10 March 2005) and now the applicant has applied to
lease a smaller portion of the land so as to prevent the visual impact that
occupying the land would have from the road.
We have requested a plan showing the exact dimensions of the revised
application.
Terry Hodson and her family are leaving Hout Bay to settle in
Constantia. She has been an
invaluable member of our ExCo, actively involved in many aspects of community
life including Cape Coast, the Community Policing Forum and the Hout Bay &
Llandudno Environment and Conservation Group.
She has played an active and influential role in the RAHB Planning &
Environment Sub-Committee, which meets weekly to revue the many municipal
applications for landuse changes, departures and subdivisions in Hout Bay. Terry's passion for the natural environment,
and Hout Bay in general, has helped us formulate policies and procedures to
deal with our submissions responding to the avalanche of development
applications - some of which have been and are inappropriate and
unsustainable. Terry's level-headedness
and adeptness in understanding and putting across our Association's
viewpoint will be sorely missed, along with her indefatigable spirit. Sadly we bid her farewell and wish her and
her family all the very best in their new residence and suburb. Terry will not easily be replaced. However, as Chairperson, I appeal to
our Hout Bay Community to telephone me if you are able and willing to assist
our Committee - in any way you think you can.
Chairperson, Residents’ Assoc of Hout Bay
Tel: 790-0268, Email: lens@telkomsa.net
MEMBERSHIP
(R50
per couple, R30 per individual)
Forms from Chairperson or Library.
[August 2005]