Backlash over Signal Hill development increases

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PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - The threat posed to the Signal Hill viewsite by a proposed development on Erf 156, Sinclair Street, has elicited a swell of opposition. Residents are objecting to the building of nine luxury units by the new owner, Feenstra Group.

Some of the concerns are that Signal Hill, the iconic Plett tourism landmark on Erf 255, above the "eyesore" structure, will lose part of its spectacular view over Plettenberg Bay if height restrictions on the development are lifted.

The structure on Erf 156 has been a bone of contention for over 40 years and is now under a demolition order.

The municipality has awarded a R4,4m tender to raze the building.

Now Feenstra Group has submit-ted a development proposal that objectors say not only requests the gifting of municipal land to enable the development, but also to exceed building height restrictions that will affect Signal Hill's future as an iconic tourism attraction, and using some of the land access to parking.

The Plettenberg Ratepayers and Residents Association has supported the demolition, but the associations is worried about "irresponsible" deviations from the building lines and lack of proof that the height will not be exceeded.

Deadline for objections

The ratepayers association has urged its members to strongly object, as has the Van Plettenberg Historical Society and other residents, who have until Monday 2 June to lodge objections.

Former mayor and retired architect Paul Scheepers has made an impassioned plea to mayor Jessica Kamkam, Ward 2 Councillor Dave Swart and other councillors in the municipality, calling on them to "stop the madness".

It is the second time Scheepers has provided stern opposition to changes at Signal Hill, whose title deeds state it may only be used for public open space.

In 2018, when the then owners of Erf 156 wanted to rezone the property into an 18-room boutique hotel, Scheepers took up the cudgels and objected. Now he has done so again.

Public open space 'in perpetuity'

"Should the new application be approved, 27 metres of the width of the view of our beautiful bay from Signal Hill will be lost forever as the proposed building is two metres above the permitted height of a single residential erf," said Scheepers.

He said Heritage Western Cape in 2005 recognised the aesthetic and historic value of Signal Hill (Erf 255) and it must remain public open space "in perpetuity".

Steve Pattinson, chairperson of the ratepayers association, said in a letter to members that the new owner, Plett Prime Developments (Pty) Ltd, that is part of the Feenstra Group, has submitted a rezoning application for the property through their town planning agents.

These include the alienation of a section of Sinclair Street and consolidating it with Erf 156 to enlarge the development area by nearly one third.

Municipal property

"This would bring the proposed development some 30 metres closer to the iconic view site on Erf 255, a public open space frequented by both residents and busloads of tourists, who come to enjoy the spectacular 270-degrees panoramic views of the bay," said Pattinson.

The proposal entails a six-storey block of nine luxury apartments that would be developed in tiers down the east side of Signal Hill.

"In short, the developer is seeking approval to acquire municipal property, consolidate it with Erf 156, rezone the consolidated erf to allow for apartments, undertake a development that would grossly transgress building lines and extend the permitted coverage limit of 60% of the area to a coverage to 90% of the expanded area," Pattinson pointed out.

"We are mindful that Erf 156 is not just another building site; it has a history of illegal building and until very recently, of municipal failure to rectify those irregularities, despite a 2016 high court order mandating demolition of the unlawful structure."

The Feenstra Group has assured residents that the demolition and subsequent development "will be conducted in accordance with the prescribed regulatory requirements, building codes and safety protocols".