The City of Cape Town has announced that its Urban Planning and Design (UPD) Department will undertake specialist studies to address issues raised during the public participation process on the draft Big Bay Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF). The studies will focus on traffic impacts and emergency evacuation requirements for suburbs within the 0–16km zone around the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.
The draft LSDF received over 700 submissions during a 60-day public comment period, which included an open day and online information session. Feedback highlighted concerns about traffic, evacuation feasibility, and development in sensitive environmental areas.
Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, said: “The community’s input has helped guide our next steps. Further specialist studies will ensure the LSDF is both safe and compliant.”
The Community Representation for Blaauwberg (CRB), which is organised a peaceful protest last year, said the LSDF was placing thousands of people at risk by proposing large-scale housing within the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station’s Urgent Protective Action Zone, without providing the required nuclear-evacuation modelling.
According to the CRB, the LSDF could add 10 000-25 000 new residents, primarily affordable housing opportunities, within an area where national regulations demand proven evacuation feasibility.
Residents’ protests contextualize concerns
Although the City’s announcement focuses on further investigations, residents have previously voiced strong opposition to the draft LSDF. In December 2025, TygerBurger reported that communities from Blaauwberg, Big Bay, Table View, and Melkbosstrand gathered at Erf 1117 to demand lawful and transparent planning.
Michelle Collins, CRB chair, told TygerBurger at the time: “The City cannot adopt a plan that is incomplete, contradictory, and non-compliant with nuclear safety and biodiversity laws.”
She added: “Our protest demonstrated what the City cannot ignore: this community is informed, organised, and united. We will not accept a planning framework that hides evacuation data, dismisses formal submissions, or sidelines the public through a compromised process. This is a matter of lawful planning, safety, and transparency.”
The City maintains that these consultations and upcoming specialist studies are part of a process to address such concerns before finalising the LSDF.
Draft LSDF proposals remain under review
According to the City, the draft LSDF provides a framework for development across Big Bay, including West Beach and Erf 1117, owned by the National Department of Public Works. Key proposals include:
- Coastal protection and extension of the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve;
- Continuous biodiversity conservation corridors;
- Improved walking and fynbos trails;
- Planning for vacant and underutilised land.
The City emphasises that the draft LSDF has not been approved, and no development rights have been allocated or removed. All future development applications will comply with the National Environmental Management Act and municipal planning by-law, including strict provisions for emergency evacuation.
Erf 1117 and future housing plans
Once the specialist studies are completed, the UPD Department will review public comments and finalise recommendations. The LSDF will then guide development applications, public-led projects, and strategic investment in Big Bay.
Andrews added: “We thank the community for their participation and making their voices heard. These investigations will help us balance development needs with public safety, traffic management, and environmental protection.”
At the protest, residents expressed frustration over the City’s disregard for their input, vague responses, and failure to address critical issues such as nuclear safety, environmental protection, and infrastructure capacity. “The CRB continues its Change.org petition calling for the LSDF to be suspended and redrafted,” Collins said.
Ward councillor Jonathan Mills said: “Strong support for the environmental plans on Erf 1117 and the City, Province and National have all accepted the lower densities proposed. The City’s Mayco has requested additional investigation into the traffic impacts in particular. Having a closer look at main concerns raised, to make sure these policies are going to stand the test of time will be worth it in my opinion. I also hope this reassures everyone that the we do consider all the comments received and that public participation is not just a tick-box exercise.”
