Comment summary

A number of commenters raised questions about the City's motivations and the basis on which the site was identified and the project structured.

There were also questions raised about the Council resolution authorising the Public Participation Process (PPP) and whether it covered all three portions (A, B, and C) of the development area. Commenters argued that the Council's authorisation of the PPP covered only Portions A and C, not Portion B of the golf course, and that the inclusion of Portion B in the process was not legal. The letter demanded withdrawal of the current PPP and initiation of a new, properly authorised process. Commenters also called for a more transparent and legally binding framework, noting concerns about the adequacy of affordability commitments and the risk of private developer capture.

Response

The City of Cape Town’s Property Development Department is undertaking a structured process to assess the long-term future of portions of City owned land at the King David Mowbray Golf Club (KDMGC) precinct. In 2015, the City of Cape Town’s Spatial Planning and Urban Design Department conducted an initial investigation which found that the site holds meaningful potential for contributing to broader municipal objectives and may be appropriate for consideration as a mixed-use infill development. A further pre-feasibility assessment was undertaken in 2022 to evaluate whether development on the site would be viable from a planning, environmental, engineering and economic perspective. Since February 2025, the multidisciplinary project team has been undertaking these baseline investigations to build a clearer understanding of the site’s environmental, heritage, engineering, transport and social context.

The City of Cape Town aims to provide mixed-use development on the site, inclusive of residential, with affordable housing, retail, commercial and light industry uses. The City plans to offer the development rights to the market through a disposal process, and will apply for the relevant land-use approvals to enable mixed-use development on the site.

Given the strategic location and scale of the King David Mowbray Golf Course precinct, any future planning and development proposals will need to follow a Package of Plans approach, as provided for in Item 136 of the City’s Development Management Scheme (DMS). When approving a Package of Plans, the City shall determine the “basket of development rights” attributed to each of the three development parcels. Future development must then adhere to these development limits. The Package of Plans and Basket of Development Rights define what a developer can and cannot do, providing certainty upfront while preserving the City's ability to enforce design quality and land use mix. The developer is generally required to fund and upgrade or construct the internal bulk infrastructure including transport, sewer, water and electrical infrastructure.

The City of Cape Town is undertaking a separate statutory process in terms of the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations for the disposal of land. Parcels A and C were approved by Council for release however, no statutory public participation process had taken place for parcels A and C. All public commenting periods were voluntary engagements. Recent Council decision formally approves Parcels A, B and C for statutory public participation in terms of the MATR. This commenting period will run from 27 May to 6 July 2026. Comments regarding this statutory process can be sent to Development.Mowbray@capetown.gov.za

Comment summary

Concerns about the adequacy and integrity of the public participation process were raised extensively. Multiple commenters described the process as appearing to be a formality designed to legitimise a development decision already made. This was due to the perceived language in City documents and at public meetings, which assumed the development would proceed, and a project timeline that moved directly from participation to site development without a decision date.

Commenters called for the Environmental Impact Assessment to include a rigorous alternatives analysis comparing the Mowbray site with other development options across the city.

Response

The stakeholder engagements processes (pre-registration phase and vision phase) initiated in 2024 and 2025 were voluntary stakeholder engagements and not a part of a legal process. These stakeholder engagement processes were undertaken to gather information from the surrounding community that could inform the concept design. A stakeholder engagement process allowing for comments specifically relating to the draft concept design is taking place from 27 May to 6 July 2026 is also voluntary. This includes a Public Open House on 20 June 2026 at the King David Mowbray Golf Club.

Given the nature of the proposed development, which includes changes to land use, the development of new infrastructure, and work in and around watercourses, environmental authorisation will be required for the development of the site. The proposed development involves listed activities in terms of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, 2014, requiring that a Scoping and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process will be undertaken. An application will also be made in terms of the National Water Act, 1998, for alterations to watercourses. Land use applications will be required in terms of the Municipal Planning By-law, 2019. Following the draft concept development phase, it is anticipated that the City of Cape Town will apply for statutory approvals, which will include additional public participation processes.

To receive updates on the proposed development, please register as an Interested and Affected Party at www.infinity.capetown/mowbray.

Comment summary

Supporters of the development strongly advocated for affordable and social housing on the site, arguing it represents a long-overdue step toward reversing spatial apartheid and providing well-located housing for working-class and lower-income Cape Town residents. Supportive commenters emphasised that the site's proximity to the CBD and employment nodes makes it ideal for affordable housing, and that people currently spending large portions of their income on transport from distant townships would benefit significantly from access to well-located homes. There was also concerns about affordability definitions and a call for specific protections against property speculation and loss of affordability over time.

Opponents of the development raised specific concerns about the comparison with Conradie Park, which was repeatedly cited as a cautionary example. Commenters noted that Conradie has not delivered on its promises, with reports of inadequate infrastructure, crime, overcrowding, unresolved traffic problems, the non-materialisation of a promised satellite police station, and, more recently, residents protesting unaffordable utility bills. Several commenters explicitly stated they did not want a "repeat of Conradie." Oude Molen was also referenced as a nearby development that should be resolved or developed first, given its existing buildings and infrastructure, before a greenfield site like the golf course is targeted. Questions were raised about whether the infrastructure commitments for Conradie have been met, and whether similar commitments for the Mowbray development could be trusted.

Response

The affordable housing component (30% of units) of the development targets moderate-income households earning approximately R9,000–R29,600/month, which is a bracket the Property Market Report (Urban-Econ, 2025) confirms represents 32% of actual housing demand in the study area. The proposed unit mix directly reflects this demand.

The MSDF (2023) designates this site as New Development Area 14 and explicitly requires at least 30% affordable housing. The City's Transit Oriented Development framework is built on the principle that affordable housing must be close to jobs, not further from them. Peripheral placement perpetuates the apartheid spatial pattern this policy is designed to reverse. At approximately 9km from the CBD, adjacent to a rail corridor and proposed MyCiTi routes, this site is among the most transit-accessible available. The mixed-income model, open-market and affordable units integrated within the same precinct, ensures cross-subsidisation and financial feasibility. The MSDF (2023) defines affordable housing as housing units within a neighbourhood where those earning less than the median income of the neighbourhood can afford to live. These units can be either rental or for-sale, and are integrated across the site rather than concentrated in a separate zone. Inclusionary housing, the mechanism through which the affordable units are delivered, is described in the MSDF as an approach that leverages the private sector development application process to secure the construction and perpetual availability of affordable housing in an integrated manner. This is a condition of the development rights sought, not a voluntary contribution. This project represents an opportunity address the pressing housing shortage in Cape Town in a responsible manner.

The proposed development will not be the same as Conradie Park as there is no social housing proposed. The protests that have occurred at Conradie Park are internal tenant grievances about utility billing practices by the management institution, which is not evidence of broader community deterioration.

Comment summary

Concerns about property values were raised by a large number of commenters, particularly residents living adjacent to or near the development site. Commenters argued that properties in this part of Pinelands were purchased precisely because they backed onto the golf course.

Commenters suggested that proximity to high-density social housing developments tends to depress property values in adjacent suburbs. References were made to declining values near Conradie Park. Some commenters raised the question of legal liability, suggesting that if property values decline as a direct consequence of the development, property owners may have grounds for legal action against the City.

Commenters called on the City to commission an independent property value assessment and to provide assurances or compensation mechanisms for affected adjacent property owners.

Response

The proposed redevelopment of the King David Mowbray Golf Course and surrounds align with policy and legislative principles for spatial planning, including spatial justice and the need to redress past spatial development imbalances through improved access and land use. This proposed development aligns with the Municipal Spatial Development Framework (2023) by promoting inclusivity and addressing historical imbalances in residential development. While there is no evidence to suggest that the proposed redevelopment would have any impact on adjacent property values, it is also worth noting that the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (2013) prohibits an authority from making land-use decisions based solely on the value of another property.

Property values within Conradie Park itself have increased by over 20% since inception, suggesting the development has not had a negative market impact on surrounding property values.

Comment summary

The question of why this particular site was selected for development was raised by a large number of commenters. Commenters identified a wide range of alternative sites that they argued were more suitable such as various other vacant, derelict, or underutilised state and municipal properties.

Commenters argued that developing a functional, economically productive, and community-serving site while leaving these other properties vacant, derelict, or misused was both illogical and a missed opportunity. Several commenters argued that if the City's genuine objective was to address housing need rather than to target golf courses for political reasons, the comparative advantages of alternative sites, including better access to transport, closer proximity to employment, lower environmental sensitivity, and reduced infrastructure upgrade costs, should have been assessed first.

Regarding alternative uses for the King David Mowbray Golf Course site itself, including retaining the golf course with improved management and community programming; converting part of the site into a public urban park; developing the site as a mega sports campus or incorporating a community food garden along the Elsieskraal River corridor.

Response

The proposed site is owned by the City of Cape Town and portions of it are leased to the King David Mowbray Golf Club. The City of Cape Town is well-served with golf courses, many of which are located on public land. While golf courses do provide green open space, public access to these spaces is typically restricted by fees and therefore limited. There is a significant need for new housing opportunities on well-located land near key transport routes and other amenities, and for associated public spaces, education facilities, and other amenities. This site is one of the few remaining large city-owned parcels of land in a developed urban environment, and presents a significant opportunity to support spatial transformation and enhance connectivity within Cape Town. The site is 9km from the CBD, close to the N2, adjacent to the existing rail corridor with a proposed new rail station receiving in-principle approval from PRASA, and within reach of proposed MyCiTi trunk routes along Jan Smuts Drive.

The proposed redevelopment aligns with the Western Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework by improving access to housing and employment opportunities. By providing a mix of residential, commercial and recreational spaces in a well-connected area, while incorporating environmental considerations, the development promotes spatial efficiency and improves the quality of the built and natural environments. The Table Bay District Plan has outlined the King David Mowbray Golf Course as one of its "catalytic land development areas," which present significant opportunities to advance spatial transformation on state-owned land. This makes it a formally identified priority site in the City's long-term spatial planning framework. The site falls within the Development Corridor and Urban Inner Core which supports development and densification according to the Municipal Spatial Development Framework, 2023. The property's location within Cape Town's Urban Inner Core enhances its potential for integrated, mixed-use development aimed at driving spatial transformation, creating affordable housing, and maximising public benefit. Other parts of the site are under lease to the Clyde Pinelands Football Club for sporting purposes. The social value of these uses is acknowledged, and provision is made in the proposed concept for sports facilities at a similar scale to the existing use.

Comment summary

A number of commenters raised concerns and suggestions relating to the concept design and land use mix proposed for the development. Many opposed a high-density arguing it would be out of character with Pinelands' garden city heritage and the adjacent residential fabric. Residents adjacent to the site on Links Drive and South Way specifically requested that any development immediately bordering their properties be in keeping with the existing heritage aesthetic, with minimum erf sizes and building scales compatible with the surrounding neighbourhood.

Several commenters proposed that the development include meaningful green spaces, sports facilities, recreational amenities, and public open spaces integrated into the design, rather than a purely residential or commercial approach. The Pinelands Hockey Club president submitted a detailed request for the inclusion of cricket, soccer, and hockey fields to address the acute shortage of sports facilities in the suburb. The absence of any explicit provision for primary or high schools in the concept was criticised, with multiple commenters requesting schools be built before residents move in. Commenters also called for the inclusion of early childhood development centres, healthcare facilities, community halls, places of worship, and retail spaces.

Some commenters specifically requested that the height, massing, and density of development be carefully calibrated relative to existing Pinelands homes, and that the development not create overlooking or visual intrusion onto adjacent heritage properties.

Response

The City of Cape Town’s Property Development Department has identified opportunities to release portions of City-owned land for mixed-use development, including the King David Mowbray Golf Course and surrounds. 

A draft concept design has been prepared based on the policy and planning context and a range of site-specific informants and constraints, and is now being made available for public comment. The proposal includes residential development with an affordable housing component, commercial, retail, and light industrial uses, a new school, and community and sports facilities. The draft concept proposes between 4891 and 6271 residential units in total, of which approximately 30% will be affordable housing. The concept proposes a mix of building typologies ranging from two- and three-storey terrace houses along Links Drive to four- to eight-storey apartment blocks closer to the N2 and railway line.

Some of the existing trees and open spaces on the site will be retained and integrated into the proposed design. The floodlines, ponds and wetlands have been taken into account during this draft design phase, where specific ponds will be retained for recreational and stormwater uses, and no hard infrastructure will be constructed within the 1:100-year floodline.

This development is specifically designed to take into account the development’s interface with adjacent Pinelands. This is evident in the low-rise terrace housing along Links Drive, a 30m landscaped buffer along the northern boundary, and height graduation that positions taller buildings away from the residential edge.

Comment summary

Commentors highlighted that Pinelands is already severely congested, with Forest Drive, Links Drive, the Raapenberg/Forest Drive/Alexander Road intersection, and the N2 all operating at or beyond capacity during peak hours. Commenters noted that existing developments have already worsened traffic conditions, and expressed concern that an additional large-scale development would further impact the road network.

Many respondents noted that the site is effectively landlocked due to the railway reserve and the N2 freeway, with very limited vehicular access options. Comments identifed that any development must be premised on a public transport-first approach. Specific concerns included the inadequacy of existing bus services, the near-total absence of MyCiTi routes in the area, and the limited walking distances to Pinelands Station, which is approximately 2.2km from parts of the site. Proposals raised by commenters included the reinstatement of Raapenberg Station or the establishment of a new rail station within the development footprint, the creation of a linked collector-distributor road connecting the golf course and Clyde Pinelands sites, and improved NMT (non-motorised transport) infrastructure.

Response

A Transport Baseline Assessment has been undertaken by ITS Engineers to determine the potential impacts of the redevelopoment on the surrounding transport infrastructure, and will be supplemented by a Transport Impact Assessment when the concept design has been finalised. As part of this study, peak period traffic counts were conducted at various key intersections between 06:00 and 09:00 in the morning and between 15:00 and 18:00 in the afternoon in November 2024. The 2026 existing traffic conditions and the 2031 traffic conditions with the development trips were modelled.

The surrounding road network, together with the proposed upgrades and new linkages, will be able to accommodate the additional traffic demand.

Six new access points or road extensions are proposed as access to the site, including:

1) Existing Golf Park Road leg at Forest Drive/Alexandra Road intersection

2) New access at Links Drive/Peak Drive intersection

3) New access at Links Drive/The Fairway intersection

4) Extension of Ringwood Drive

5) Extention of Bontheuvel Road

6) A new east-west road (class 4) extending Alexandra Road eastwards to traverse the site and connect to Jan Smuts Drive to the east.

A new rail station is proposed on site, along with upgraded pedestrian access to the Hazendal railway station.

The proposed offsite upgrades include signal optimisation and lane reconfiguration at various intersections:

• the Forest Drive/St Stephens Road/Alices Ride intersection

• the Forest Drive/The Crescent intersection,

• the Ringwood Drive/Nightingale Way intersection,

• the Howard Drive/Ringwood Drive intersection to mini-roundabout, and

• the future Jan Smuts Drive intersection.

In terms of public transport, the proposed road network provides access to the future MyCiti station on Jan Smuts Drive. Additionally, a new rail station is proposed between Pinelands Station and Langa Station. The position of this station within the development proposal has received in-principal approval from PRASA. This is a key informant to the transport strategy, as the proposed station is intended to form the backbone of the public transport for the development.

The transport assessment process remains ongoing and will continue to be refined together with the development framework and through engagement with the relevant authorities.

The site falls partly within a PT1 public transport area, where the Municipal Planning By-Law permits reduced parking ratios which is consistent with City policy encouraging transit use over private car dependency. The concept illustrates that sufficient parking can be accommodated within the area.

Comment summary

Commenters noted that the King David Mowbray Golf Club has over 115 years of history and is one of the oldest golf courses in the Cape. Commenters argued that destroying a landmark of this historical importance would be an irreversible loss and would undermine the City's commitment to preserving its sporting and cultural heritage. The golf club was also noted as having significant cultural meaning for the Jewish community.

The site's location within and adjacent to the Pinelands Heritage Protection Overlay Zone (HPOZ) was raised by commenters. Pinelands is South Africa's first Garden City, founded in 1919 with a vision of creating quality homes in harmony with nature, and several commenters argued that any densification on the scale proposed would fundamentally destroy the character and integrity of this unique heritage suburb. Adjacent residential properties on Links Drive and South Way are subject to heritage protection conditions requiring that their architectural character be preserved, and commenters noted that inappropriate development immediately adjacent to these properties would compromise their heritage value.

Response

A preliminary heritage assessment and visual assessment have informed the proposed concept.

It is acknowledged that the King David Mowbray Golf Course is an historic golf course, dating to 1911, which would make it, according to Sauerman (2019: 35) the 4th oldest club in Cape Town. It does have some historical significance due to the consistency of use over a long period, but it must be recognised that golf has always been a sport that is accessible and of interest to a small percentage of society – i.e. the value of the golf course as a facility is of significance to a relatively small community. The efforts by the King David Mowbray Golf Club to expand it user base is acknowledged, but these opportunities are not unique, nor inherently dependent on this course. Like the King David Mowbray Golf Club, who, having sold their own land, amalgamated with the Mowbray Club in the 1990s, the youth programme and other programs are likely able to be transferred to another golf club, should the property be developed.

The value of the open space to the local community is acknowledged, noting that the golf course is not open to the general public, but that the treed green space is an important visual amenity to the residents of Pinelands, i.e. it is a ‘borrowed’ landscape. Thus, care must be taken to ensure that any development acknowledges the scale and character of the historic Pinelands Garden Village, that borders the eastern side of the golf course. With regard to the interface with the N2, it is noted that the actual golf course is visible for a very short stretch of this road, whilst the remaining interface is densely planted to screen the course from the road. These planted screens should be retained and augmented.

The Clyde Pinelands Sports Club which operates from the south-eastern portion of the site, is historically the oldest non-amalgamated football club in South Africa. The club started operating from the current premises in 1973 and, as one could argue for the golf club, the heritage significance of the club is not tied to its location. The football fields is an open space amenity for the surrounding residents, providing an accessible green space for the walking of dogs and other activities, which should preferably be retained at least in part as a publicly accessible open space.

As provided for in the National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA), the relative heritage significance of a site proposed for developed must be weighed against the socio-economic benefits of such development (Section 38 (3)(d)). This assessment will play an important role in considering the future of the property.

A Notification of Intent to Develop (NID) was submitted to the Western Cape in terms of Section 38(1)(c)(i) and (ii); and (d) of the National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999). Heritage Western Cape (HWC) responded with a requirement that a heritage impact assessment, inclusive of a social historical study, cultural landscape assessment and visual impact assessment, must be undertaken.

Comment summary

Commenters highlighted the golf course's role as a vital green lung, carbon sink, and natural flood barrier, noting that the site falls within a recognised ecological corridor linking the Elsieskraal and Black River systems with broader urban biodiversity networks. The golf course and surrounding open spaces were identified as forming part of a waterbird migration corridor.

The site's location within a 1:100-year floodplain was repeatedly raised as a fundamental constraint. Commenters noted that the Elsieskraal River regularly floods its banks, and that increased impermeable surfaces associated with development would worsen downstream flooding.

Commenters also highlighted the risk to biodiversity, including birdlife, otters, rare frogs, and indigenous plant species, if the green space is lost. Concerns were also raised about the urban heat island effect, reduction of mature vegetation, loss of water bodies, and the cumulative environmental impact of multiple nearby developments, including Conradie, Riverlands, and Oude Molen.

Commenters requested that all mature trees be retained, water bodies be preserved, and that any development maintain substantial green buffers along the river corridors.

Response

The proposed redevelopment of the site presents an opportunity to improve public access to green open spaces currently managed for exclusive recreational use.

A baseline assessment of river and wetland systems has been prepared by Freshwater Consulting as an informant to the concept design. The assessment found several aquatic features on site including drainage ditches, golf course ponds, a highly degraded artifical wetland, the modified Elsieskraal River and associated floodplain wetland, and floodplain wetlands associated with the Vygekraal River. The Elsieskraal River floodplain wetland and Vygekraal River wetlands are severely modified but are important in providing flood alleviation and stormwater management functions in an otherwise hardened catchment. Therefore, the assessment recommendated that these wetlands be retained on site with the provision of development setbacks / ecological buffers to minimise impacts from the proposed development. The existing golf course ponds are entirely artificial, but some of these will be retained for incorporation into public spaces and/or for stormwater management.

The proposed development also includes decanalisation and rehabilitation of a section of the Elsieskraal River. The decanalisation will involve replacing sections of the concrete canal with improved habitat in an unlined channel surrounded by public space.

Sections of the proposed site are below the 1:100-year floodline for the Black and Elsieskraal Rivers. No new development is proposed below the 1:100-year floodline, in line with the City of Cape Town's Management of Urban Stormwater Impacts Policy and the Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) principles. Areas below the floodline will function as open space, green buffer, or natural drainage systems that absorb and convey floodwaters to protect both the built environment and aquatic ecosystems.

Surveys have been conducted on the site to determine whether it supports any threatened frog or reptile species. There are no species of conservation concern on the site at present, but open green spaces in the proposed concept design, along with restoration and correct management of the retained ponds and wetlands, may result in the creation of new habitat suitable for Western Leopard Toads.

A comprehensive tree survey has been undertaken to identify and locate all trees on the site. More than 1700 trees, mostly from the pine, eucalyptus and fig families were identified, and the proposed concept retains trees as a key structuring element and feature of future public spaces wherever possible.

Comment summary

Supporters of the development argued strongly that it represents a critical opportunity to address Cape Town's ongoing spatial injustice, providing well-located housing for working-class and lower-income residents who currently face long, expensive commutes from distant townships.

Concerns about employment impacts, particularly the loss of jobs at the golf club itself (greenkeeping staff, management, caddies, food and beverage, and associated service providers), as well as the indirect economic contribution of golf tourism to nearby hotels, restaurants, and accommodation providers. Commentors did not believe the development would create net job opportunities, while acknowledging that some construction-phase employment would occur.

The socio-economic profile of intended beneficiaries was also discussed, with some commenters raising concerns about the affordability of proposed units relative to actual household incomes, and about the risk of creating a development that, like some existing social housing, ends up unoccupied or poorly managed.

Response

A market anaysis conducted found that proposed development would enhance economic activity, support sustainable urban growth, and cater to Cape Town’s evolving property landscape. A Socio-economic Impact Assessment will be undertaken to determine the potential social and economic impacts of the proposed development. 

Comment summary

Service infrastructure constraints including sewage, water supply, electricity, healthcare, and emergency services all identified as already operating at or beyond capacity. Commenters expressed concern that any additional load on the sewage system before the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Plant is fully upgraded and operating correctly would result in further overflows and environmental contamination.

Response

Assessments of civil services and electrical infrastructure requirements have been undertaken for the site. In terms of civil services, the site is well located with regards to stormwater, sewer and potable water connections, but upgrades to existing infrastructure will be required. Final confirmation of available capacity for services by the City of Cape Town is still pending, and the required upgrades to existing civil services infrastructure will be determined on this basis.

With regards to electrical infrastructure, network upgrades are required and feasible. Existing 33kV and 11kV infrastructure traverses the site and provides the basis for integration into Cape Town's bulk electricity network.

Comment summary

A number of commenters raised concerns about the likely impacts of the construction phase and the long-term management and maintenance of the development. Regarding construction, commenters highlighted that the Helen Keller Old Age Home located adjacent to the development would be significantly affected by construction noise, dust, and increased traffic from heavy vehicles during the building phase. The narrowness of residential roads near the site, particularly on the Pinelands side, was noted as a major constraint for construction vehicle access.

One commenter noted that parks in Pinelands are already underutilised due to poor maintenance and safety concerns, and questioned whether additional green spaces in the development would be properly maintained. There was also concern raised about the management of the affordable housing component, specifically about risks of building hijacking, gang infiltration, and informal sub-letting which are patterns seen in other social housing developments in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Commenters called for the City to demonstrate how these outcomes would be prevented.

Commenters also called for the developer to be responsible for bulk infrastructure costs and for ongoing maintenance to be funded through a homeowners' association or developer commitment, rather than being passed on to municipal ratepayers.

Response

Dust control, traffic, noise and other construction impacts and mitigation measures will be managed in terms of an Environmental Management Programme, which will be prepared at a later stage in the process. The proposed residential and other land uses would be managed by individual bodies corporate or property owners' associations to be established. The maintenance of streets and public open spaces would be the responsibility of City of Cape Town.

Comment summary

A number of commenters raised questions about the scope, timing, and adequacy of the technical investigations and assessments undertaken or planned as part of the project.

Commenters also called for an independent legal review of the zoning, title deed conditions, and environmental protections applicable to the site before any planning approvals are sought.

The Clyde Pinelands portion of the site was identified as a former landfill site, and commenters questioned whether geotechnical investigations had confirmed the ground's suitability for development.

Response

In 2015, the City of Cape Town’s Spatial Planning and Urban Design Department conducted an initial investigation which found that the site holds meaningful potential for contributing to broader municipal objectives and may be appropriate for consideration as a mixed-use infill development. Therefore, a pre-feasibility assessment was undertaken in 2022 to evaluate whether development on the site would be viable from a planning, environmental, engineering and economic perspective.

As a part of the current process, the following investigations/assessments are in progress and will be shared during the statutory engagement process following finalisation of the concept design: freshwater impact assessment, herpetofauna assessment, geotechnical investigation, tree survey, heritage impact assessment, visual impact assessment, socio-economic impact assessment and market research investigation, transport impact assessment, civil services investigation and a stormwater investigation.

The project team appointed by the City of Cape Town are all independent professionals. In terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998 (NEMA) and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 (as amended in 2017), all Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) and specialist consultants appointed to undertake or contribute to an environmental authorisation process are required by law to be independent.