City of Cape Town Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews.
The Western Cape Property Development Forum (WCPDF) said the newly-approved Municipal Planning Amendment by-law will increase property prices by adding another layer of administrative requirements which will carry costs.
WCPDF chairperson Deon van Zyl said the amendment appeared to have arisen against the backdrop of increasing pressure from community organisations concerned about the pace and scale of new development in Cape Town.
“While the stated intention may be greater transparency, the practical purpose and benefit of advertising a building plan after it has already been approved is far less clear. Importantly, such notice does not provide surrounding property owners or community organisations with a further opportunity to challenge the underlying development rights,” Van Zyl said.
Van Zyl added that the amendment by-law certainly created further administrative work for both the City and applicants.
