Conservancy objects to Blue Hills development
BLUE HILLS - The Greater Kyalami Conservancy lodged an objection to the township application Blue Hills Extension 74 for a mixed-use development consisting of retail, commercial, business and high density residential at the corner of the R55 and Summit roads.
Chairperson of the conservancy Kristin Kallesen said the grounds for the objection are that the property is not suitable for the proposed land uses as sewage infrastructure does not exist within this area. The expansion of sewage service to support this development is contrary to council policy to curb urban sprawl.
“There are serious concerns with the ability of the Northern Sewerage Works to cope with current capacity, let alone provide for further developments,” said Kallesen.
She said the concerned property falls into the broader area of the Greater Kyalami Conservancy which contains irreplaceable conservation sites, namely sensitive wetland systems, endangered grasslands and red data fauna and flora. “Grass Owls, an endangered species are resident on an adjacent site and utilise this property for hunting. The conservancy is engaging specialists to develop a plan for the protection of Grass Owls in the area.
“High density residential, commercial, office, a drive through restaurant and auto workshop should be located in a more suitable site where densification is supported and there is an existing need. There is no need for additional retail spaces in this vicinity which is characterised by environmentally sensitive areas and agricultural holdings as described in the Regional Spatial Development Framework.”
She said the conservancy and residents associations are embarking on the Green Neighbourhood Project which seeks to promote sustainable development and protection of open spaces. This is in-line with the City of Joburg’s 2040 Growth and Development Strategy for a sustainable, livable city.
She explained that the Greater Kyalami Residents’ Council representing the Residents’ Associations of Sun Valley, Beaulieu, Glenferness, Kyalami and Environs Residents and Owners Association, Saddlebrook, and Kyalami Ridge prepared a community development plan in 2012. This document was presented to City of Joburg Development Planning. This document clearly states the desire of Residents’ Associations to retain a minimum land size of 1 ha. with 2 dwellings allowed per hectare.
“There has been no study done on the cumulative effects of proposed developments within this area and the loss to the city in terms of open space, climate change mitigation, biodiversity and the effects on human health. Such a study should preclude planning in this area and the consideration of any developments that would have a detrimental effect on the long term sustainability of this area and the City of Johannesburg.”
Development and infrastructure should be considered in areas which need it most such as Diepsloot and Olivienhoutbos. Our national electrical generation is under capacity and developments of this nature put the entire grid in further threat of blackouts, she said.
