The proposed Rouen Farm housing development in Gordon’s Bay, located behind Fariview Golf Village, is still in the “early-planning and feasibility phase”.
This update by City of Cape Town spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo comes after the last public comment period, which concluded on 17 January 2025.
“The advertisement and public comment period formed part of the pre-application phase of the Scoping and Environmental Impact Reporting (S&EIR) process,” explained Tyhalibongo.
This initial step is the first formal public participation stage in a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a requirement under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).
The project is currently undergoing crucial assessments to determine its viability. Tyhalibongo emphasised that no final decisions had been made as the City is conducting its “due process and due diligence”.
According to the information sheet, the proposed development entails the construction of approximately 4 600 residential sites, primary and high schools, sports fields, a commercial site and a cluster of business properties as well as community sites as required in the future.
It was also stated that two alternative layout designs had been formulated, along with the “do nothing” alternative. Essentially one design includes a commercial precinct and freestanding dwellings nearest the river on the southern boundary, while the second does not include the commercial precinct and includes “row” housing (wherever possible) to minimise the ability to create backyard dwellings.
“The project is currently undergoing feasibility assessments to determine the most appropriate form of development for the site, in line with environmental, technical and planning requirements,” Tyhalibongo said.
The ongoing evaluations are looking at key factors such as infrastructure capacity, land suitability and environmental conditions, among others.
“The outcome of the feasibility phase will guide the most suitable land-use approach before the formal town planning process is initiated,” Tyhalibongo added.
Once the feasibility work is done, the next phase starts: a formal town-planning application – another crucial step that will also include a public-participation process.
“The City remains committed to transparency and inclusive engagement,” Tyhalibongo said, reassuring the public they will have more opportunities to comment on the project as it progresses.
You must be logged in to post a comment.