Eleven neighbourhoods in Kraaifontein have been identified by Subcouncil 2 as areas suitable to permit high-density development of small-scale rental units.
A report in this regard was supported by the Subcouncil in its monthly sitting via Skype last Wednesday.
The small-scale rental market has since 2020 been recognised by the City as an important formal housing sector to supply the huge demand for affordable rental accommodation.
Following a study into this market which is driven by private individuals and micro-developers who develop small flats on their land by adding to their homes, the City in September 2020 approved a report to encourage such incentives.
Bloekombos, Wallacedene, Belmont Park, Summerville, Eikendal, Klein Begin, Northpine, Scottsdene, Scottsville Peerless Park North, East and West, Windsor Park and Windsor Park Estate were all identified by Subcouncil 2 for areas possibly suitable for this type of development.
Since September 2020, the City has initiated a process for a zoning scheme amendment whereby an overlay zone was proposed for small-scale units as an additional use within the SR2 Incremental Housing Zone.
Progress made by the City to date include the drafting of a menu of prototype building plans for land owners to choose from for approval in terms of national building regulations.
Furthermore, the City has entered into a memorandum of understanding with registered financial institutions making development finance available to this sector.
Rhynhardt Bresler, ward councillor for Windsor Estate and Peerless Park, said residents in his wards may be concerned about the effect that high density development may have on their property values.
“Open spaces are available in some of these neighbourhoods that could be bought up by developers in bulk for small-scale units,” he says.
However, Grant Twigg, ward councillor for Scottsdene, Summerville and Northpine emphasised the fact that the entire process will be subject to a public participation process.
“Communities in each of these areas will have to engage with the City during every stage of the process,” he said.
