Hout and About

News from Residents’Association of Hout Bay

PO Box 27031, Hout Bay, 7872

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

August 2007

MILKWOOD MAYHEM & WETLAND WORRIES

It is possible to develop a piece of land in such a way that one enhances the ecological functioning of one part while sacrificing the other for construction. Thus while the new mainstream centre additions have greatly increased their building footprint they have simultaneously made a vast improvement to the section of the Bavianskloof river that was previously degraded and choked with alien vegetation. The developers and landscapers need to be commended for this ecologically successful venture which was guided by input from Natalie Newman of the South Peninsula Administration.

The question thus arises as to why so few developers actually aspire to make their money and improve the environment? The short answer is most certainly the profit margin and that is why developers often bump heads with other residents and civic associations who strive (voluntarily) to enhance the quality of life for all residents and preserve as much ecological functioning of our natural systems as possible while still endorsing responsible development. What developers need to remind themselves is that such civic bodies are almost all based on the voluntary efforts of local residents i.e., it costs them time and thus arguably money to make this contribution. It is obvious who has the motive to flout building restrictions and complain when their plans are thwarted.

The recent chopping down of Milkwood trees on the corner of Clyde and Empire Streets is an exact point in case. The developers (Old Town Properties) stand to gain directly and indirectly, respectively from improved profits from ground floor units that will now have sea views - not milk wood views. It has been reported to us that the developers (Mr Rob Brodie) claim ignorance and yet there is a mountain of evidence to the contrary including ignored verbal instructions from the original property owners that the developers must be sure not to touch, let alone remove the Milk woods. While the relevant authorities are currently handling the case we feel it is important to highlight this example for it explains the strong public perception that many property developers are motivated by profit and take little heed of the potential ecological assets that are of benefit to the entire local community.

In light of the above it will be interesting to see what the Dept of Environment and Tourism decides should be the fate of the wetland that the Beach Club owners are hoping to fill to expand their development. This wetland is unique in that it is at its wettest during the dry summer months. The summer’s Southeaster blows sand from the east to the west side of the Hout Bay beach and in the process effectively blocks off the river mouth forming a lagoon. Although summer flows are low due limited rainfall and unrestricted abstraction further upstream the water still backs up sufficiently to elevate the water table and give the wetland its’ much needed summer drenching. The last truly functional wetland in Hout Bay and half of it destined for bulldozers and development so that a few might profit. The fight is not lost but it is alarming that we are even called upon to defend such a valuable ecological asset when we are well educated in the long term costs of such environmental degradation.

Contact Persons to report destruction of Milkwood trees: Natalie Newman: 021 7108049 or Ms Susan Steyn -021 9507121 e-mail steyns@dwaf.gov.za

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Erf 3230, Riverside Terrace (corner of Main Road): application (# 140099) for conditional use of the property as an orphanage and a departure from the 10 m building line. Deadline for comment: Mon 13 August 2007.

Erf 5623, 2 Well Way (off Main Road) Application for subdivision into two portions (3350 and 4646 sq.m) and a departure from the minimum erf size of 8000 sq.m as designated in Zoning Scheme for Agricultural erven in this area. It is one of a number of similarly sized 2-acre erven in the Valley area; and subdivision of one would set an unfortunate precedent. Over the years the Valley has been guarded against subdivision below the minimum erf size as capitulation in this respect would inadvertently set a process in motion which would inevitably destroy the ‘sense of place’ and the valued rural ambiance of this area. Deadline - Wed 15 August 07

Erf 4467, 30 Nooitgedacht Drive: Application for subdivision into two portions (1000 and 2272 sq.m) and departure from the zoning scheme minimum erf size as specifically designated by the Victorskloof Development Plan (VDP). Again ad hoc changes such as this are not supported as the precedent would encourage a host of similar applications. In any case, changes to the VDP would require the proper public process w.r.t. the Plan and not on individual erven in a piecemeal manner. Deadline - Wed 15 August 07.

Erf 8184, 11 Military Road (above Main Road, near Beach): Application (# 143905) for a departure to permit a Bed and Breakfast (category 2) and to permit a second dwelling. Both of these uses are excluded in the title deeds, except with the approval of the controlling authority. It would appear that these limitations could well have been because of the very limited parking along Military Road – it is a very narrow cul de sac. At least 3 extra parking bays would be required and there is no indication in the application as to how these would be provided. A second dwelling would have similar constraints. Deadline - Fri 17 August 07.

Erf 1556, Chilton Close, Wolvekrantz (on mountain-side above Scott Estate): This application (# 145646) is for rezoning from rural to sub-divisional area to permit single residential (eight properties), road and open space (one) uses. This proposal has long since been vigorously opposed for various reasons but especially because it breaches the urban edge and would result in an inappropriate hard residential development on a steep mountain side. Again, this would set the wrong precedent. Deadline - Mon 3 September 07.

Erf 290, Victoria Ave (above Brighton Rd): Application for Rezoning from Single Residential to Commercial use zone to run a catering business and small coffee shop & deli and departures from Street Building line from 8m to 5m; while conforming to the Victoria Avenue Management Plan (VAMP), parking departure while conforming to VAMP. Deadline – Friday, 31 August ‘07

Erf 6025, Valley Rd (adjacent to & North of Ken Rock Estate): Application for subdivision of 14932m2 property into a gated estate consisting of 10 residential portions with “cubicular” form houses. Deadline – Monday 3 September ’07.

Erf 223, Cnr Earle & Albert Streets ( behind Engen Garage): Application for Rezoning from Single Residential to Commercial plus Conditional Use and Various Departures, to permit a Public Garage in the applied for Commercial Zone and General Residential, to permit construction of 4 three-storey townhouses as a “buffer” between the Garage and the Single Residential neighbourhood to the West. This would set a very bad precedent. Deadline – 30 September ’07.

Comments and objections may be sent to: The Municipal Manager, Strategy & Planning –Directorate: Town Planning, South Peninsula Region, City of Cape Town, Private Bag X5, Plumstead 7801 or faxed to 021 710-8283 (tel.-8202); attention Mrs D. Samaai. The general telephone number for the SPA is 710-8000.

Report back on previous applications

We were granted an interview at the Spatial Environment Land Use Management(SPELUM) Committee on Wednesday 8 August 2007, to present the case regarding the proposed subdivision and departures for Erf 5489, Park Avenue. SPELUM refused the application and the Applicant now has the right of appeal against the SPELUM Committee’s decision.

We were informed by the Director of Planning & Building Development Management, that the Applicants whose application for removal of restrictions, subdivision & departures for Erf 1827, Helgarde Estate, whose appeal was refused by PAGAC, may now appeal to Province. To which this Association has already submitted a counter-appeal.

Erf1222, Victoria Avenue: Application for Restriction & Conditional Use to Permit a crèche. We presented our case to Good Hope Subcouncil 16, on Thursday 16^th August. The Applicant was not present, so we alone presented our submission that we are not against the establishment of a crèche but erf 1222 is close to the very busy traffic lights and Victoria Avenue funnels the traffic towards the lights with a solid double line. It is at this position that parents pick up their children, park in the street, and on the pavement on both sides of the driveway of the crèche. If a child suddenly runs into the street a fatality could result. The situation is fraught with danger and there exists a distinct possibility of an accident just waiting to happen. We also protested to the fact that this crèche has been running for some time without proper permission being granted and was now applying to regularise the situation. City Planners intend imposing conditions on this application such as a turning circle and separate entrance and exit to the premises to control the traffic.

Len Swimmer

Chairperson, Residents’ Assoc of Hout Bay

Tel: 790-0268, Email: lens@telkomsa.net

Dear Hout Bay Resident,

Would you like warning of any of the following possibilities?

- Your neighbour is about to sell their house to a developer who will be bulldozing it and others in your street to construct a block of flats

- The beach is covered in raw sewerage following another failure by the pump station

- Your neighbour is going to subdivide their property and build four more houses

- Imizamo Yethu is going to expand or shrink

- A new hotel is to be constructed right on the beachfront

- Safety & Security issues which affect house values and desirability of living in Hout Bay

For many in Hout Bay, one or more of these possibilities is already a reality.

The Residents Association of Hout Bay tries to inform the public long before such changes adversely affect the value of your home or the well-being of those that live in it.

We invite you to join the Resident’s Association by sending an email to rahb@houtbay.org.za and we can send you details re membership and alert you to some of the important issues that might affect you as a resident of Hout Bay in our monthly newsletter.

You might also want to use your skill to help the Association operate and participate in community affairs

MEMBERSHIP

(R50 per couple, R30 per individual)

Forms from Chairperson or Library. Please Note: As from 1st March all Membership fees for the year 2007 were due and payable. No accounts will be sent out.

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

Subscriptions 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

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.