Heated discussions at public meeting

This was revealed at the first public participation meeting regarding the proposed amendment of city council’s Spatial Planning Policy in the vicinity of Riversands Farm.

The amendment comes as Century Property Developments proposes to develop a mixed-use development on the farm.

This would include residential, recreational, open space, business park, Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises Incubation Hub, retail, light industrial activities and educational activities.

First, the Land Use Management Schedules need to be amended to include light industrial and commercial uses within the node.

Interested and affected parties were urged to submit their comments to the amendment of the Johannesburg Spatial Planning Policy by 19 June.

The second public meeting would be held at Riversands Farm on 26 June.
Thereafter, the application would be submitted to the city council for decision. Ward 93 councillor Annette Deppe said, “We must not forget that this is an election year and a change in policy will talk to the electorate with the proposed job creation.”

Diepsloot residents, such as the chairman of the Diepsloot Youth Forum Loyiso Toyiya, were positive about the development so long as it would create jobs for the community.

Many people raised questions about whether the jobs could be guaranteed for Diepsloot residents.

Mandy Collins of Sun Valley Residents Association questioned, “Why was money not given to Diepsloot business to create jobs?”

The Greater Kyalami Conservancy agreed that there was a need for job creation and development in Diepsloot.

“We would like to see proper planning and consultation with all surrounding communities, which in our opinion has not been done adequately with the Riversands development. We feel there is an opportunity for sustainable development that does not impact negatively on environmentally sensitive areas and the existing equestrian and rural nature of the area.

“This should be explored rather than fast tracking a project that is currently outside of planning policy and that would have irreversible consequences.”

Details: www.urbandynampics.co.za