Residents are being urged to submit objections before Thursday, January 8, to a proposed 32-unit residential development on Erf 15300, commonly known as the Capri Common. The clock is ticking for Fish Hoek residents and interested parties to voice their concerns about a proposed 32-unit residential development on Erf 15300, known as Capri Common. With the deadline for public submissions set for Thursday, January 8, community members are urged to take action to protect this important area.
The Sunnydale Ratepayers’ Association (SRA) has submitted a formal objection to the development, calling instead for the land to be declared a No-Go area, with conservation, rehabilitation and long-term management of the site. According to the SRA, public submissions are important and can still influence the outcome of the application. Erf 15300 is classified as a Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) 1a, the highest conservation category under the Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan.
Land in this category is required to be kept in a natural or near-natural state, with further habitat loss avoided. The site supports Critically Endangered Hangklip Sand Fynbos, a vegetation type listed under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA). Despite past disturbance, the SRA says the land shows strong ecological resilience, active natural regeneration, high restoration potential, and important ecological connectivity within the urban landscape.
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In its submission, the SRA raises concerns about the Draft Basic Assessment Report (BAR) for the proposed development. The association argues that the report understates the ecological, hydrological and community value of the site and is biased in favour of development approval. Erf 15300 showing pathways and animal tracks – CoCT EGIS 2024
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