The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) and its implementing agent, the Housing Development Agency (HDA), have submitted land use applications for the rezoning of farming land acquired in Philippi to people living in Prasa-owned land along the central line in Langa township.
In accordance with the Municipal Planning Bylaw and as an independent land use regulator, the City of Cape Town has invited members of the public to submit their comments on the proposed plans.
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The public comment period commenced on Friday, 20 October, and will remain open until Monday, 27 November 2023 on the Prasa/HDA land use applications for two parcels of land at 34 and 42 Weltevreden Road, Philippi.
The rail agency acquired these ervens from a private land owner and has submitted applications seeking to rezone these ervens from Agricultural to Single Residential Zoning 2.
This comes after the area along Prasa’s Central Line was subjected to a land invasion just before the national COVID-19 lockdown. The area remains occupied since and forms part of the reasons for delays in reviving the train service.
Prasa approached the Western Cape High Court and obtained an eviction notice that included the provision of alternative emergency accommodation.
For this purpose, the HDA was tasked with relocating the illegal occupants and subsequently acquired the farming land in the Philippi wedge.
The Langa residents, who built shacks on the railway tracks affecting the Central Line, were then given notice.
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Meanwhile, IOL reported that Mitchells Plain councillor Elton-Enrique Jansen spoke against the move.
‘Prasa, the HDA, finally bought the land in the Philippi wedge as the City. We can’t stop them from buying the land, and we can’t stop them from submitting a planning application,’ Jansen told the publication. ‘What we can do is mobilise the communities to comment on the application.’
Jansen explained that while sub-council 17 does support the reopening of the Central Line, it cannot do so at the expense of its residents and those who will be relocated.
‘There are no schools or public transport. The basic services are minimal. There will be another informal settlement next to two informal settlements where there are no services and where we can’t render services because it will be on private land,’ said Jansen.
The City said once public comments have been received and considered, a decision will be made by the Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT), which consists of external professionals and officials appointed by the City.
‘In considering a rezoning application, the MPT takes into account, inter alia, municipal spatial policy, the relevant district plan, and whether there is infrastructure capacity to accommodate the development of the scale proposed,’ said the City. ‘The MPT may further attach appropriate conditions to any future human settlements development, should rezoning approval be granted.’
Residents can submit their comments, objections and representations via the City of Cape Town’s website before the closing date.
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Picture: Prasa Group / Facebook