Yaseen Gaffar

A contentious development proposal for erf 7669 at 5 Goldman Road in Somerset West, home to the historic Somerset Lodge, has faced a mixed outcome following a heated appeal process.

While the City of Cape Town’s appeal authority approved the removal of a decades-old guesthouse restriction, it rejected key aspects of the project, siding with residents over heritage preservation and urban density.

The initial approval by the Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT) last November had greenlit the deletion of a 1989 rezoning condition limiting the property to guesthouse use, alongside proposals for two four-storey apartment blocks with 80 units, relaxed height limits, and an increased floor factor.

The decision sparked fierce backlash from residents, who launched petitions and submitted over 50 objections citing heritage, traffic, and community character concerns. (“Somerset West residents object to flats“, DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, 11 December 2024).

In a decision dated 29 April 2025, the appeal authority partially upheld residents’ grievances. The deletion of the guesthouse condition was approved, allowing the site’s redevelopment under its General Residential 2 zoning.

However, critical elements of the proposal were rejected: the site development plan (SDP) was refused, requiring a redesign to reduce impacts on neighbouring residential areas and limit building height to two storeys above basement parking near single-residential zones.

Regulation departures for height and floor factor were denied, maintaining the 15 m height cap and a floor factor of one. The authority emphasised that the proposed SDP would “engulf the historic lodge” and clash with the area’s character.

The 19th-century Somerset Lodge, a Grade 3B heritage site, became a focal point of contention. Residents argued the development would dwarf the landmark and undermine its historical significance.

Tiffany Schultz, a leading opponent whose petition garnered over 1 000 signatures, thanked everyone for the support.

“We were not expecting this and I was deeply depressed after the MPT, because we had put so much work into formulating our objection and speaking at the tribunal, but it seemed as if they were oblivious to our concerns, which was very disheartening.

“To see this letter in support of our grievances is very positive. It’s nice to know that democratic systems work and compromises can be reached,” said Schultz.

The Helderberg Renaissance Foundation (HRF) stated: “The HRF supports the decision regarding the Somerset Lodge, that the development should proceed, but that it must be redesigned to show sensitivity to the character of the area and the historic lodge on the property. This is in keeping with the Grade 3A status ascribed to it in the permit issued by the Heritage Western Cape, the authority responsible for granting permissions related to heritage sites. The HRF looks forward to reviewing the revised design when it is released for public comment, prior to any further approvals given, and are supportive of a positive development on the site.”