Six-storey building proposal for Ballito draws strong public response

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02-12-2026
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North Coast Courier
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More than 100 residents have registered as part of the environmental participation process.

A proposed six-storey development in Ballito Village has drawn widespread public attention, with over 100 residents registered in the environmental public participation process.

The public participation process for the mixed-use development (‘Six-storey shift for Ballito‘, Courier, December 11, 2025) closed on January 19, with responses and comments now being formally registered.

The development, known as The Square Ballito, is planned for 20 Compensation Beach Road and proposes a building comprising two basement levels, ground-floor retail space and serviced residential units above. Construction is expected to begin next year.

The application was submitted by Niche Investments (Pty) Ltd, the development arm of Niche Developments, and has been formally accepted by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA).

A separate town-planning application seeks to amend the current height restriction from four to six storeys, allowing the building to reach 20.25 metres. As it lies within 100 metres of the high-water mark, environmental authorisation from the EDTEA is required.

Paul Muir, managing director of Niche Developments, previously told the Courier that he welcomes dialogue with residents.

Map Superimposing the Proposed Activity and Associated Infrastructure on the Environmentally Sensitivities of the Site. Image: Draft Basic Assessment Report.

“Far from operating in the shadows, we are following every step of the formal, transparent public participation process required by law. All reports, specialist studies and plans are available to the public.”

The open site is located between several popular restaurants in the village whose owners have publicly objected to the development, citing fears of loss of trade (‘Restaurants fear building impact‘, Courier, December 19, 2025).

The statutory 30-day public review period ran from November 27 to January 19, with an 11-day extension granted to the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers’ Association (Docrra) following a formal request for additional time to review the documents.

“We called for an extension of the deadline because we were concerned a proper canvas of public input could not be achieved over the holiday season. This was granted by the developers,” said Docrra vice-chairman, Brian Pottinger.

Independent environmental practitioner Stephanie Denison, director of Confluence Strategic Development, said 112 interested and affected parties are currently registered as part of the environmental process, with that number continuing to grow.

“I recently received a petition with a further 67 signatories, so we are busy adding these people to the database as well,” she said.

“I am currently responding to all comments received and engaging with the applicant and authorities to ensure the responses are thorough.”

Formal responses will be circulated to all registered parties before the final Basic Assessment Report is submitted to the EDTEA. Any late comments received will still be recorded and forwarded with the final report for consideration.

Once submitted, the EDTEA will have 107 days to make a decision on the application. The Draft Basic Assessment Report remains available on request from steph@confluencesd.co.za.