The City of Cape Town has issued a call for residents and interested parties to provide feedback on a proposal that would exempt certain development areas from heritage protection regulations.
The areas in question include Airport Industria, Atlantis, Flamingo, Kuils River, Mitchells Plain Town Centre, Ottery/Lansdowne and the Voortrekker Road Corridor.
The aim of the proposal is to allow property owners and developers to modify, enhance or demolish buildings that are over 60 years old without seeking prior approval from Heritage Western Cape. Additionally, the proposal seeks to facilitate the consolidation of three or more properties within these areas.
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The proposed exemptions would simplify the process for property owners and developers operating in the designated development focus areas and urban support focus areas. These areas have been identified in the City’s approved Municipal Spatial Development Framework and eight District Spatial Development Frameworks. The exemptions would enable property alterations, demolitions and reconstructions, as well as property consolidation for development purposes.
Alderman Eddie Andrews, the City’s deputy mayor and mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment, emphasised the potential benefits of reducing bureaucratic hurdles associated with development.
He stated, ‘Reducing development-related red tape will assist with economic growth, ease of doing business in Cape Town and job creation. This ties in with our efforts to build a City of Hope.’
The proposal also includes provisions for the identification and protection of certain historically significant properties through the City’s Heritage Protection Overlay Zonings. This means that, despite the exemptions, specific properties deemed worthy of conservation will be placed on the heritage register to ensure their safeguarding.
Alderman Andrews explained that, as the city’s buildings age, many are reaching or surpassing the 60-year mark. Presently, any individual seeking to modify or demolish a structure older than 60 years must first apply for a Section 34(1) permit from Heritage Western Cape, regardless of the property’s heritage value. Only after obtaining the permit can the applicant submit a development application or building plan to the City for consideration.
The proposed exemptions would eliminate the requirement for a Section 34(1) permit and the need for notifications of development intentions under Section 38.
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‘These exemptions, once approved, will dramatically reduce the regulatory and administrative burden on developers, property owners, the City and HWC by eliminating unnecessary planning application processes in these areas. It will also significantly reduce the delays in building plan submissions,’ said Alderman Andrews.
To evaluate the potential impact of the proposed exemptions, the City of Cape Town’s Urban Planning and Design Department, in conjunction with the Environmental and Heritage Management Department and consultants, conducted an investigation under the National Heritage Resource Act to determine the appropriate exemption areas for Sections 34 and 38.
Alderman Andrews assured residents that extensive fieldwork had been undertaken to identify buildings and sites with potential heritage value within the proposed seven heritage exemption areas. Affected property owners will be notified of their property’s conservation worthiness and given the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposal to include it on the heritage register as part of the submission to Heritage Western Cape.
Individuals seeking more information on the matter are encouraged to visit the City’s Have Your Say page at capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay.
Objections and comments may be submitted starting today, and the deadline for submissions is 14 August 2023.
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