Cape Town - A proposed 10-storey luxury development in Clifton has received multiple objections from residents during the public participation process.
The development plans are now seemingly in limbo and have yet to be referred to the Municipal Planning Tribunal, as it remains a pending matter after receiving all environmental approvals.
According to the public and basic assessment report and full summary by Chand Environmental Consultants, the properties listed as Erf 46 and Erf 47 in Victoria Road are intended to be rezoned and redeveloped into a signature lifestyle apartment building known as Azalea Signature Residences in Clifton.
The document further states that “the development footprint of the building would be approximately 1 127m2 and has been proposed to “comprises a signature apartment building (flats) with up to ten terraced levels, providing for up to ten apartments (flats).”
Erf 46 carried a residential dwelling that was demolished in accordance with the permits given from Heritage Western Cape, dated June 23, 2024, and equally from the City, dated August 2023.
Erf 47 is a vacant piece of land, leading upwards from Victoria Road towards Kloof Road. The site, according to the document, is located on the mountain side of Victoria Road and is 90m from the beachfront.
The City’s Deputy Mayor and mayco member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews, said the site application was currently pending under the instruction of the applicant.
“The mentioned land use application is currently pending on request of the applicant,” he said.
“The case was advertised and 10 objections were received to which the applicant subsequently provided responses to.
“However, the case has not been referred to the Municipal Planning Tribunal as yet for a decision given the applicant’s request to pend the application.”
Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell’s spokesperson, Wouter Kriel, said due processes have been followed.
“The proposed development involves the consolidation of Erven 46 and 47 into Erf 580,” he said.
“The Environmental Authorisation (EA) for this development was issued on November 28, 2024.
“The developers have not yet provided a confirmed start date for construction, but the department can inquire further if needed.
“The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process primarily assesses environmental, cultural, and socio-economic impacts.
“While the EIA addressed various concerns raised during the public participation process, including the risks and nuisances associated with demolition.
“The EIA process was comprehensive, and all environmental concerns raised by Interested and Affected Parties were addressed by the appointed Environmental Assessment Practitioner.
“Based on this, the project has received the necessary environmental approvals.”
Chris Willemse, of the Camps Bay and Clifton Ratepayers Association, said they were aware of the developments in the area.
“(Erven 46 and 47 Clifton, Azalea) is a development that only recently received its environmental approval.
“The CBCRA, as the only registered civic-based organisation for the area, will oppose any sale of public passageways and other special public land for private development.”
The Cape Argus has reached out to Azalea Signature Residences for comment but has yet to receive feedback.