A proposed development at 43 Beach Road in Gordon’s Bay is aimed to revitalise the area with a new 18-unit luxury apartment building.
The developers, through ArchAus Architects, have submitted an application for site development plan departures for erf 3068.
The project, scaled down from its initial 24 units, seeks to capitalise on the scarce availability of new luxury apartments in the area, which the developers describe as “underdeveloped in terms of new luxury apartments” compared to neighbouring Strand.
“When this property became available our client jumped at the opportunity to invest in a new landmark for the area,” stated the motivational letter submitted by ArchAus. “Hopefully, this will set a precedent for revival in the area.”
The property, currently zoned as General Business 2, allows for apartment/flat development and falls within existing zoning restrictions for height, floor ratio, coverage and parking, according to the application. The ground floor is planned to house a shop, proposed as an ice-cream outlet, designed to integrate with the existing streetscape of coffee shops and retail along Beach Road. The location, near a large public parking area, is anticipated to attract visitors to the surrounding beaches.
Parking provisions include 22 vehicle bays, unofficial tandem bays, motorbike parking, visitor bays and retail parking, totalling 27 bays. The developers state that this meets the City of Cape Town’s parking requirements for the proposed 18 units and retail space.
The application also addressed services and infrastructure, electricity, and water and sanitation, and confirmed the structure does not qualify for heritage status.
ArchAus concluded that the development “suits the continuous commercial and upmarket housing by optimising the land-use, planning principle and will be a desirable development for Gordon’s Bay”. It believes the investment will create jobs, provide upmarket residences and positively impact neighbouring property values, potentially spurring further development in the area.
The application also requests a permanent departure from the City’s Municipal Planning Bylaw of 2015. The proposed building, exceeding 10 m in height, requires permission to be located 3 m from the Beach Road street boundary building line, rather than the prescribed distance of 4,5 m.
The Gordon’s Bay Residents’ Association (GBRA) have already made their intentions clear in objecting to the proposed development.
Chairperson Edwina Hadfield said that there are major concerns regarding infrastructure, particularly the sewage system on the beachfront, which is already under significant strain.
“We experience frequent sewage overflows, and we believe this development will only exacerbate the existing problem,” she said.
“Until the City addresses the infrastructure deficiencies and resolves the ongoing sewage issues plaguing our beachfront, we cannot support any further development.
“Furthermore, residents are deeply concerned about the impact this building will have on the character and aesthetics of our beachfront. We believe it will negatively alter the landscape, and we are not satisfied with the proposed design. Therefore, the GBRA firmly rejects this development proposal.”
The public is invited to view the application at the relevant district office during operating hours (08:00 to 14:30) on weekdays.
Appointments with case officers or discussions regarding specific aspects of the application can be arranged via email at helderberg.hub@capetown.gov.za.
Objections, comments or representations concerning the proposal must be submitted on the prescribed form, with reasons provided, by Thursday 27 February.
- Submissions can be made via email to comments_objections.helderberg @capetown.gov.za and the prescribed form is available for download at http://www.capetown.gov.za/LandUseObjections.
