Numerous Ballito Village business owners are opposing a proposed six-storey development, fearing construction will damage trade and strip the village of its charm.

The application, submitted by Niche Investments (Pty) Ltd for The Square Ballito at 20 Compensation Beach Road, is currently under a 30-day public review period, which runs until January 19.

The site, between the road and several restaurants, previously housed a commercial building built in the late 1960s and demolished in 2007.

Plans detail a six-storey, mixed-use development comprising two basement levels, ground-floor retail and serviced residential units above. A town planning application has also been submitted to increase the height restriction from four to six storeys, with the building proposed to reach 20.25 metres.

Because the site falls within 100 metres of the high-water mark, environmental authorisation is also required from the provincial Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA).

Local restaurateurs fear the impact of months of construction on their businesses and staff.

Jimbo’s owner, James Harvey, said the development threatens the essence of Ballito Village.

“Not one good thing will come from this, except for the developer. Everyone else loses, it will destroy us.”

He believes all nearby businesses will be affected.

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“You can do whatever you want, but you cannot keep dust and sand out. Then there’s the noise from cranes, trucks and jackhammers. Nobody wants to eat indoors by the beach. Ballito Village will lose its character and soul. It will be like Umhlanga, and nobody wants that.”

Diogo Barendse, co-owner of Concha Café and the adjoining Conchilla, agreed.

“It won’t be a village anymore. There will be no parking, and the dust and noise will destroy our trade.”

Paul Muir, managing director of Niche Developments, last week told the Courier that the project will create jobs and attract visitors who support the local economy (Six-storey shift for Ballito, December 12).

“We encourage everyone with questions to review the documentation, attend the open day, or submit formal comments,” said Muir.

But Harvey and Barendse questioned whether short-term job creation would outweigh the collapse of existing businesses.

“Hundreds of jobs will be lost and it won’t be offset by a boutique hotel,” Harvey added.

To comment, contact independent environmental practitioner Stephanie Denison on 082 929 4662 or steph@confluencesd.co.za, or email Paul Muir at paul@nichedevelopments.co.za.

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