A proposed development in Plettenberg Bay that is facing opposition from property owners in the area, is still in the early stages of application.
Times Live reported that a R4-billion development had been proposed for Central Beach and the Piesang River Estuary. According to the report, the development, proposed by Western Cape Marina Investments, includes a five-star hotel and retail stores as well as residential units and bungalows along the beach.
Dupre Lombaard, Head: Strategic Services at Bitou Municipality and the official dealing with the application, told Tourism Update there was no guarantee that the development would go through. Lombaard said before the development could go ahead, it must be approved by the Minister of Environmental Affairs.
According to Lombaard, following an environmental impact assessment and ministerial approval, the municipality would need to allocate land. He stressed that this would be not granted unless the applicant could prove financial feasibility. “Even if the application is approved, there is no access to the land because it is publicly owned,” he said, adding that the tender had been for a harbour.
The Plett Ratepayers and Residents Association, along with property owners in the area, has formed an alliance in order to oppose the development.
Concerns raised by the Save Plett Alliance include a loss of business and jobs during the anticipated four-year construction period, when tourists are expected to go elsewhere; the possibility that the development will not reach completion, leaving a “concrete carcass” in the area; or that if completed, the development will turn Plettenberg into “a little concrete Dubai”. The alliance has also questioned the developer’s lack of a record or a web presence
According to Basil van Rooyen, spokesman for the alliance, a poll carried out among tourists to the area revealed the majority of international tourists would not return to the area should the development go ahead.
The alliance also commissioned an architectural firm to complete 3D graphic renderings of the development, based on the plans. This can be viewed here.
While IOL Property, reports that the developer has described these images as 'completely inaccurate', the developer has, as yet, not furnished the alliance with accurate renderings.
Attempts by Tourism Update to make contact with the developer have proved unsuccessful.
