Hout and About

News from Residents’Association of Hout Bay

PO Box 27031, Hout Bay, 7872

rahb@houtbay.org.za       www.houtbay.org.za

April 2006

 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - NB!!

Our AGM will be held on Monday 8 May in the Hout Bay Library Hall at 19h30.  Please diarise now and be sure to come and hear our Guest speaker, Mr. Albert C Schuitmaker, Executive Director, Cape Town Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry speak on something that has touched all our lives in the last few months, that is the impact of the electricity crisis and its effect on business bearing in mind the government’s goal of 6% economic growth.  We are very much aware that these effects eventually translate down to grassroots effecting all residents and ratepayers.

Remember, if you are not a member, please consider joining the Association today - application forms available at the counter Hout Bay Library or attached to our Box at the Notice Board in Library Foyer, alternatively phone 790-0268.  

The following people will stand for re-election for the 2006/7 Executive Committee:  Len Swimmer, Justin O’Riain, Cecil Bloch, Brad Geyser, Penny Brown, Sandra Macguire, Pierre Steyn, Valerie Rossi, Norman Briggs, and Xandrine Semple.   To date, new nominations are John Kennedy and Valerie Leir.  Any further new nominations are to be received by the due date, 24 April 2006. 

 

TIPS ON ENERGY-SAVING

Most of us are aware that energy (and water) shortages are not going to go away and that we need to be reminded of ways to save energy and so help manage the resource, bearing in mind that saving electricity means saving money!  So here are some tips on how to save electricity in the home:

1.  Switch off lights, the TV, radio, computer, heater, air conditioner, hair-driers, vacuum cleaners, stoves, irons, etc. when they are not needed. 

2.  Use energy-saving light bulbs (compact fluorescent) – they use 80% less than ordinary light bulbs and last up to eight times as long.

3.  Close your windows when your heater is on.  Oil heaters are economical as they are usually thermostatically-controlled and so they switch off automatically when the room warms up.

4.  Use an electric blanket rather than a heater at night, and switch it off before you go to sleep (that also safer).

5.  Boil the amount of water you need – not a full kettle – and match the size of the pot to the size of the stove plate; once boiling, turn the heat down to simmer.  Use pots and pan with flat bases.

6.  Fill the dishwasher before using, or preferably wash a few dishes by hand, but remember not to waste water.

7.  Keep the fridge door properly closed (and don’t leave open unnecessarily) making sure that the seal is intact.

8.  Don’t iron clothes unnecessarily and use a thermostatically-controlled iron.  Choose a water-efficient washing machine and select programs suitable for the ‘dirtiness’ of the clothes! 

9.  When building a house make sure that the builder/architect uses passive heating and cooling to best advantage and designs the house to use natural lighting.   Also make sure that energy- and water-saving technology is used through out the house and garden.  This will cut down your bills to the envy of all your neighbours!

 

NEW PLANNING APPLICATIONS

No new applications have been received

since the last edition.

Council:  Comments and objections may be sent (before the specified deadline in each case) to: The Municipal Manager, Urban and Environmental Services, South Peninsula Admin, City of Cape Town, Private Bag X5, Plumstead 7801 or faxed to 021 710-8283 (tel.-8202); attention Mr. M. Barnes.  The general telephone number for the SPA is 710-8000. 

DEADP:  Comments to be sent to Dept of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning: Directorate Integrated Environmental  Management, Region B1, Private Bag  X9086 Cape Town 8000 or fax to 483-3098 (tel.  -2700 for Environment and -4789 for Planning) in time to arrive by the deadline.   

 

UPDATES ON PREVIOUS APPLICATIONS;

 

Erf 2574-Milkwood Crescent:

SPELUM`s approval violates the fact that this complex is totally overscaled and out of proportion. We have lodged an Appeal to DEADP to have this decision reversed.

 

Erf 4851- Earl Street. Rezoning to allow retail shops.

The application had been refused on two previous occasions since it did not comply with the Victoria Avenue Management Plan. In spite of this it was approved by SPELUM on this occasion and we have consequently lodged an Appeal with the Municipal Manager to have this decision reversed.

 

Erf 1492- Main Road . Franciscus House. Subdivision and Departures to allow development of 15 houses in gated community.

This approval by SPELUM allows an almost tripling of the density compared to other areas. We have submitted an Appeal to the Municipal Manager to have the decision reversed.

 

Erf 4025- Victorskloof Road. Departure and subdivision approved  in violation of Victorskloof Development Plan (minimum erf size of 4000m2) An Appeal has been lodged with the Municipal Manager to have this decision reversed.

 

Erf 1810-Helgarda Avenue. Removal of Restrictive title conditions, and subdivision into 2 erven of 900m2 and 1erf of 1 168m2. No subdivision is allowed in this area by title deed. Interview at the newly formed planning committee will be held on 25 April 2006 at 11.30am at the Civic Centre which we shall attend as an objector.

 

 

 

 

 

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please remember that your subscriptions were due on at the beginning of March 2006.  They may be paid electronically (use your full name as a reference on the payment – to  ensure that we correctly credit your membership as this information appears on our Bank Statement.

Banking Details:  First National Bank, Hout Bay Branch (branch code 204 009), Account name - Residents Association of Hout Bay, Account Number – 5345 1027 173

If you prefer, payment can also be dropped into our wooden box at the Library (next to the Hall doors) or posted to our Post Office Box: 27031 Hout Bay, 7872.

Don’t forget the AGM – see above!

 

 Len Swimmer

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.

                  April 2006