Noordhoek property owners object to rezoning for restaurant

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17-02-2014
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More than 80 objections have been lodged against an application to build a restaurant on the Noordhoek side of Chapman's Peak, with many saying the risk of 'commercial creep' outweighs the need for yet another tourist facility.

Headland Planners has applied to the City of Cape Town's spatial planning, environment and land use management committee to rezone a portion of Cape Farm at the Avondrust Circle for commercial use to allow for a 100-seat restaurant. The land is zoned for a single residential dwelling.

Felicity Purchase, ward councillor and chairwoman of subcouncil 19, which covers Noordhoek, has objected strongly to the proposal. 'This is a prominent and sensitive site. It is also a scenic route in a rural area in a position regarded in the structure plans as being required to remain natural.'

The development would create another commercial zone, which was 'undesirable' in this location.

Derek Chittenden, in his professional capacity as an advisor to the Noordhoek Conservancy, and as a resident, said the urban creep into a 'very rural environment' was a fundamental concern.

He said the application was 'thin' with regards to its compliance with policy frameworks.

The Noordhoek Conservancy and Civic Association and Noordhoek Environmental Action Group said the proposed development was not aligned with existing planning policies and that there were already several restaurants in the area.

Concerns were also raised about the lack of parking in the area and an already hazardous intersection, as well as the septic tank required.

Jeremy Wiley, representing the owner and stakeholders of the Noordhoek Farm Village, argued that the development would disturb the sense of place and would set a precedent for further commercial developments along this road.

In response, Headland Planners argued that as the site was isolated and situated on a main tourist route, it was an ideal spot for a restaurant.

The spatial planning portfolio committee agreed that a site visit was needed before it could make a decision. It would report back after the visit.