Locals are invited to have their say on the proposed high school in Somerset West.
Community input is needed as part of an environmental approval process. The public participation period runs until Friday 3 April, following an application submitted to the provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
However, DEA&DP has indicated that it is currently reviewing the application form and additional information has been requested before it can be accepted as a compliant application under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations.
The WCED intends to build a new public high school on Steynsrust Road in Heldervue.
DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette previously reported on the matter after a public meeting was held at the proposed site, where a large crowd of residents were addressed on the matter by local ward councillors, WCED representatives and other officials who were in attendance (“Engagement on school for Somerset West,” 19 February 2025).
It is envisioned that the school would accommodate about 1 120 students and 35 staff members on a 4,27-hectare property surrounded by Steynsrust Road, houses, Acacia Street and farmland.
During the engagement session last year, council outlined plans for the facility to feature 30 regular classrooms, two specialist classrooms, a multimedia room, administration block, hall and sports field, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects rather than vocational training.
The school would operate like many other fee-paying government schools in the area, with residents helping establish a school governing body to determine the admission policy, teaching language and school character.
Environmental requirements
Environmental approval is required because the project triggers activities under national environmental laws, specifically “institutional developments on land previously used for agriculture and larger than 1 hectare outside the urban area.”
The DEA&DP confirmed the site’s agricultural history – including irrigated pastures and small-scale beekeeping – requires environmental assessment. However, the department has requested verification of specific site factors before making a final determination.
“The purpose of the Basic Assessment process is to identify, assess and mitigate any potential negative environmental and social impacts, ensuring that the development is sustainable and compliant with all relevant legislation,” Hammond said.
Studies conducted
The assessment was conducted by independent firm Braaf Environmental Practitioners. The study examines how the development might affect the local environment and suggests ways to reduce any negative impacts.
According to DEA&DP, several specialist studies have been commissioned in line with screening and site sensitivity verification requirements:
- Terrestrial Biodiversity Compliance Statement by Dr C. Cupido
- Aquatic Compliance Statement by Mr Earl Herdien
- Agricultural Compliance Statement by Mr Earl Herdien
- Visual/Landscape Assessment by ARLA Consulting
- Engineering inputs covering stormwater, water supply, sewer, solid waste and electricity
Additional assessments include a transport impact study examining how the school will affect local traffic patterns, and a comprehensive site sensitivity report covering civil aviation safety, defence considerations, socio-economic impacts, paleontology and other environmental concerns.
According to DEA&DP, Heritage Western Cape has confirmed that no further heritage assessment is required.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the studies were commissioned to ensure all potential impacts are properly assessed, examining effects on farming activities, water systems, plant and animal life, and the area’s visual appearance.
Hammond said the environmental assessment identified key impacts during different project phases.
During construction, the main concerns involve earthworks, waste management, potential pollution and logistical issues like managing construction vehicles.
Once operational, the primary impacts relate to increased traffic, noise levels and technical considerations for running the facility. Hammond noted these impacts are typical for such development projects.
Addressing concerns
“All environmental concerns identified in the specialist studies and raised by the public are being addressed through a structured process,” Hammond stated.
“Specialist recommendations have been incorporated into the project design, including the terraced layout to reduce visual impact, retention of blue gum trees and a comprehensive stormwater management system. A binding Environmental Management Programme has been developed, translating all specialist recommendations into enforceable management measures for construction and operational phases.”
DEA&DP confirmed that WCED and the environmental assessment practitioner are addressing environmental considerations through:
• A comprehensive landscape plan retaining significant tree clusters and increasing indigenous planting
• Stormwater management designed to protect the adjacent agricultural dam and downstream users
• Avoiding any disturbance to off-site aquatic features
• Incorporating low-impact design, permeable surfaces, terraced development, and erosion control measures
• Preparing a detailed Environmental Management Programme to manage construction phase impacts
DEA&DP noted that the Department of Water and Sanitation is reviewing whether a General Authorisation or Water Use License Authorisation is needed. “Although no wetlands or watercourses exist on-site, the presence of an adjacent farm dam and potential stormwater-related considerations require confirmation. WCED is awaiting formal feedback,” the department stated.
Community participation
Asked why the WCED encourages community participation, Hammond said community involvement is a legal requirement. “Community input strengthens the environmental authorisation application in several important ways,” she explained.
“It ensures legal compliance, which helps prevent procedural appeals that could delay the project. A transparent process, where community concerns are acknowledged, builds trust between the education department and residents. Additionally, involving the community increases environmental awareness and ensures full compliance with all environmental requirements.”
DEA&DP emphasised that public participation is a statutory requirement under the EIA Regulations, designed to ensure all Interested and Affected Parties are notified and given a fair opportunity to submit comments, enabling the competent authority to reach an informed and procedurally fair decision.
The department explained that community input forms part of the official record that the competent authority must consider when deciding an application. This helps ensure procedural fairness under the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act and supports a properly informed decision.
DEA&DP encourages residents to examine the material in full and raise any submissions they consider appropriate, based on their own interests, concerns, or knowledge of the area.
The City of Cape Town previously stated that the project has completed property demarcation and is in the planning phase, with the rezoning application ongoing.
Rezoning involves changing erf 6840 to community zone 1 for educational use, expected within 90 to 150 days depending on objections.
Once the rezoning application is completed, the next step will be a 30-day public-participation process, with a planning decision made within 30 to 60 days.
Building plans will be approved by the WCED after successful rezoning. Construction timelines and budgets will be addressed once rezoning is finalised.
Have a say
To register as an interested and affected party and/or to submit comments provide your name, contact details, interest in the application and comments to Braaf Compliance Monitoring Pty Ltd via email on info@braafsa.com, or call, SMS or WhatsApp 079 499 4743.
For more information and to access the relevant public documents, click here.
