The Cape Navigator

GORDON’S BAY – In a bid to foster transparency and community involvement, the City of Cape Town is organizing public meetings to discuss the draft local spatial development framework (LSDF) for the Gordon’s Bay Development Area (GBDA) in the Helderberg District. The LSDF, also known as the neighbourhood plan, plays a pivotal role in guiding the future development and land use decisions within the area.

The GBDA encompasses vacant and underdeveloped land situated north of the coastal town, stretching between the existing N2 highway and just east of Sir Lowry’s Pass Road. The LSDF for this significant parcel of land was made public on 24 January 2024, initiating a period for residents and interested parties to collaborate with the City in finalizing the framework.

City officials will be available at two open house meetings to be held on Saturday, 24 February 2024, from 10:00 to 14:00 at the Charles Morkel Community Hall, Strand, and Friday, 8 March 2024, from 13:00 to 19:00 at the same location. These meetings offer an opportunity for residents and business owners to pose questions and provide valuable input, influencing the outcome of the LSDF.

Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, emphasizes the importance of community participation, stating, “I encourage residents to attend one, if not both, of these meetings. This is the ideal opportunity to ask questions, to learn more about the process we are following in developing the spatial vision for this area which is one of the biggest parcels of vacant land within the city’s borders, and to influence the outcomes.”

For those unable to attend, contributions can still be made through online submissions on the City’s Have-your-Say page at www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay or via email at GBDA_LSDF@capetown.gov.za. Additionally, the draft LSDF is available for viewing at the Subcouncil 8 office and Gordon’s Bay Library.

The LSDF is a policy document crucial in determining the development vision for the area at a local level. It serves as a guide for the City in making decisions regarding development applications and land uses. Alderman Andrews stresses the need for balanced and sustainable development in the GBDA, taking into consideration the unique characteristics of the area.

“The Gordon’s Bay Development Area has immense development potential. 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,” says Alderman Andrews.

Residents’ input will be considered in finalizing the draft LSDF, and the document will subsequently be submitted to the Council for approval. The LSDF for the GBDA aligns with the spatial development guidelines outlined in the Helderberg District Spatial Development Framework, providing a comprehensive plan for the greater Helderberg area.