Residents of Milnerton and Table View have voiced strong opposition to a proposed development on Erf 38599, on the corner of Circle Road and Eagle Crescent, accusing the City of Cape Town of pushing ahead despite years of objections and formal petitions.
The development, marketed as Millview, is being advertised as a large residential project comprising more than 300 flats, houses, a clubhouse and paddle courts, with units selling from R1,95 million. Residents say the project is advancing without meaningful engagement with the surrounding community, raising concerns about traffic congestion, environmental impact and mounting pressure on already stretched local services.
Community says objections ignored
Local residents and civic groups argue that their concerns have repeatedly been dismissed throughout the planning process.
“We have signed petitions, submitted objections and spoken up at every opportunity, yet the City continues as if we don’t exist,” said Des Palm, spokesperson for Cape of Good Hope NPC, a community-based civic organisation with long-standing involvement in matters relating to Erf 38599. “This is a blatant disregard for community voices.”
He said residents believe the proposed R5,9 million development contribution cannot compensate for the long-term social and environmental impacts associated with a high-density development in the area.
Marketing raises questions
A key source of frustration for residents is the marketing of units despite the absence of approved building plans. Signage at the site advertises units for sale, even though, according to the City, no building plans have been approved for Erf 38599.
The community has called on the City to confirm whether approved building plans exist before any further marketing or sales activity is allowed to continue.
City confirms land-use approval, not building plans
In response, the City of Cape Town confirmed that while no building plans have been approved the land-use application for the rezoning and subdivision of Erf 38599 was approved by the Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT) on 5 July 2022.
The approval allows for 377 flats not exceeding 100 m² each, nine group houses and 16 single residential erven. Two rounds of public participation were conducted in July and August 2020, during which 153 objections were received. Both the applicant and objectors were afforded the opportunity to address the MPT before the decision was taken.
Appeals dismissed, approval remains valid
The City said the approval was subsequently appealed by objectors, but the appeal was dismissed and the decision upheld by the Appeal Authority on 8 May 2023. The land-use approval remains valid until May 2028.
According to the City, specialist traffic, environmental, social and infrastructure impact assessments were conducted and assessed by relevant technical departments as part of the application process.
Addressing concerns around the sale of units prior to building plan approval the City stated that it does not regulate the marketing or sale of properties, noting such activity is undertaken at the developer’s own discretion and risk. Building work may not commence until plans are formally approved.
The City also confirmed that a container placed on the site earlier this month was unauthorised and that a notice of contravention was issued by a building inspector on 6 January 2026.
Councillor responds to concerns
Ward councillor Sue van der Linde said she had received numerous queries about Erf 38599 and had met with City officials and community representatives to clarify the situation. “I held a meeting with Karen Sam Davis and members of GTAF where we discussed each point in detail. It was agreed that the response brought clarity to the situation.”
She added that she had requested that the City cut and maintain the stretch of land and bill the landowner for the service, and she would continue to monitor developments on the site.
Residents warn of wider consequences
Despite the City’s explanations, residents remain dissatisfied and are calling for approvals to be halted pending further consultation. They warn that failure to meaningfully engage communities could erode trust in local government and set a troubling precedent for future developments across Cape Town.
“This is about more than just one development,” Palm said. “It’s about accountability, transparency and ensuring residents are not ignored in decisions that affect their lives and neighbourhoods.”
