Public invited to comment on Prasa, HDA land use applications
25 October 2023
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), and its implementing agent, the Housing Development Agency (HDA), have submitted land use applications for rezoning of land for human settlements development. As per the City’s role as an independent land use regulator, the public is hereby invited to comment on the Prasa/HDA applications in line with the Municipal Planning By-Law.
The public comment period is open from 20 October to 27 November 2023 on the Prasa/HDA land use applications for two parcels of land at 34 and 42 Weltevreden Road, Philippi.
Prasa – via the HDA – acquired these erven from a private land owner, and have submitted applications seeking the rezoning of these erven from Agricultural to Single Residential Zoning 2.
This follows Prasa's central line being subjected to a land invasion just before the national Covid-19 lockdown. Prasa approached the Western Cape High Court and obtained an eviction order which includes the provision of alternative emergency accommodation. For this purpose, Prasa appointed the HDA to undertake land acquisition, planning approval applications, and relocation of the unlawful occupants.
Once public comments have been received and considered, a decision on Prasa/HDA's applications will be made by the Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT), which consists of external professionals and officials appointed by the City.
It is important to note that the MPT's consideration is, by law, limited only to whether the land is appropriate for rezoning for human settlements development in general, and does not extend to consideration of who the beneficiaries for any future human settlements development may be.
In considering a rezoning application, the MPT takes into account, inter alia, municipal spatial policy; the relevant District Plan; and whether there is infrastructure capacity to accommodate the development of the scale proposed.
The MPT may further attach appropriate conditions to any future human settlements development, should rezoning approval be granted.
Should relevant parties not be satisfied with the MPT decision, they will be entitled to appeal the outcome of the applications.
Should appeals be lodged, these will be considered by the Planning Appeals Advisory Panel (PAAP), which makes a recommendation to the Executive Mayor, who is the final Appeal Authority in terms of the Municipal Planning By-law.
Comments, objections and representations can be submitted to comments_objections.capeflats@capetown.gov.za before the closing date. To arrange for a viewing of the application, phone 021 684 4369 to make an appointment with the relevant district office.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
