The City of Cape Town’s Development Management Department has received approximately 90 objections regarding a land-use application to consolidate and rezone two vacant properties on the corner of Morgenster and Meerlust streets in Onverwacht, Strand.
The application, submitted by NuPlan Africa on behalf of property owner A Nigrini, seeks to consolidate erven 9511 and 9473 and rezone the combined site from Single Residential 1 (SR1) to General Residential 2 (GR2).
The development proposal outlines 12 residential units across three double-storey blocks, 18 parking bays and several building line relaxations.
Public objections submitted during the participation process raised strong concerns regarding the scale and density of the proposed development. Surrounding residents expressed apprehension over potential traffic congestion – particularly due to the site’s proximity to Altena Primary School – as well as pedestrian safety, building scale, and the cumulative impact on local municipal infrastructure.
Addressing the public feedback, Eddie Andrews, deputy mayor and Mayoral Committee member for Spatial Planning and Environment, confirmed that the City is processing all submissions gathered during the advertising period.
“The application as received was advertised to affected parties and, as part of the advertising process, the application was circulated to the relevant technical commenting departments within the City for their review and comments,” he explained.
“The objections received during the advertising period were forwarded to the applicant to afford them an opportunity to respond.”
Responding to community concerns about infrastructure capacity, building heights and road safety, Andrews stated that all impacts are being rigorously reviewed.
“The City acknowledges the concerns raised regarding infrastructure capacity, building scale, traffic congestion and pedestrian safety,” Andrews said. “These matters form part of the assessment process and will be carefully evaluated in terms of the Municipal Planning Bylaw, applicable planning policies and comments received from relevant technical departments.
As with all land-use applications, the City will assess the proposal’s potential impact on the surrounding area, including compatibility with the existing neighbourhood, traffic and pedestrian movement, and the availability of municipal services and infrastructure before a decision is made. This will all be addressed in the report submitted to the Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT).
The next phase of the process involves the compilation of a comprehensive assessment report by municipal planning officials. This report will combine the original development application, the over 90 objections received, technical inputs from municipal service departments, and the applicant’s formal responses.
The final report will include a technical recommendation for consideration by the MPT, which holds the decision-making authority for the land-use application.
Once the MPT renders its decision, the outcome will be formally communicated to the applicant and all registered objectors. All affected parties will also be informed of their right to appeal. Should an appeal be lodged against the MPT’s decision, the matter will be referred to the City’s Appeal Authority for a final determination.
