The Gordon’s Bay Development Area (GBDA) received the green light from the City of Cape Town’s Council on Wednesday 12 June.
Forming part of the area’s local spatial development framework (LSDF), or neighbourhood plan, it refers to vacant and underdeveloped land situated to the north of the coastal town, between the existing N2 highway and just east of Sir Lowry’s Pass Road.
“The City’s Spatial Planning and Environment Directorate engaged widely with residents and interested and affected parties in February and March earlier this year about the draft LSDF,” said Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment.
“The public-participation process included an information day that was well attended. This was a very important process as it gave residents the opportunity to influence and contribute to the development vision for this area, which is one of the biggest parcels of vacant land within the town’s borders. I want to thank the local residents who have first-hand experience of the area for their support and collaboration. The public’s contributions have been considered in finalising the LSDF that served before council.”
The LSDF determines the development vision for an area on a local level. The City uses the framework for guidance when making decisions about development applications and land uses; and in the end these decisions very much determine what a neighbourhood will look and feel like, a few years down the line.
“The GBDA has immense development potential,” said Andrews. “However, as much as we need development to keep up with population growth demands this must be managed in a sustainable manner that promotes and protects the unique characteristics of the area. In this sense the LSDF will guide future decisions on how this land should be used, developed and, importantly, the natural environment protected.”
The LSDF for the Gordon’s Bay Development Area elaborates on and supports the spatial development guidelines as set out in the Helderberg District Spatial Development Framework, which is a higher order spatial plan for the greater Helderberg area.
