Following the extensive and rapid development occurring in the outer western area of the eThekwini Municipality, where in excess of some two thousand medium density units are in the pipeline, coupled with concerns pertaining to, in particular, traffic, sewage and environmental issues, the Head: Development Planning and Management, in consultation with myself, has decided to initiate an integrated Strategic Planning Assessment of the area involving all sectors of the Council. This study will be along the lines of that recently undertaken in the northern area (Ohlanga Catchment) of the eThekwini Municipality. It is anticipated that the study will take of the order of three months to complete and will also involve external consultants. During this time, the Council will not be approving any new developments that specifically relate to the strategic concerns identified above. This will not affect any developments that already enjoy environmental and planning permission.
A developers meeting is to be held shortly, during which they will be briefed on the full implications of the above. In addition, meetings with public representatives will also be held.
There are a number of reasons for this invigorated development currently occurring in the outer western area, not the least of which is the economic growth taking off in our city.
It is hoped that both the public and developers will see this study in a positive light with a view to ensuring sustainable development.
Dr. Michael Sutcliffe