PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Demolition work has started on Plett's 'eyesore', bringing to a close a saga extending over nearly 40 years surrounding the exclusive property on Signal Hill.
Francois Burmeister, group legal adviser of the new owners, the Feenstra Group, confirmed the start of operations to demolish the incomplete four-storey structure.
"We look forward to transforming this longstanding community concern into a point of pride and an asset for Plettenberg Bay," said Burmeister.
He described the start of the demolition as "excellent news".
"We can confirm that Plett Prime Developments (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary company of Feenstra Group and the registered owner of the property, has obtained the necessary municipal approval to demolish the illegal structure."
Burmeister said as a "demonstration of good faith and commitment to the Plettenberg Bay community", the new owners have made the decision to immediately start the demolition and removal of this 40-year-plus eyesore at their own cost.
Building lines
The building was first built by Leon Lecouna, the owner who from the beginning exceeded the building lines.
After a long and concerted effort by the neighbours, the demolition of the building was first ordered by the high court 10 years ago, in 2016.
Notwithstanding three demolition tender calls by Bitou Municpality, the condemned structure remained.
At one stage during Covid, the then owners submitted an application to convert the illegal structure into an 18-room hotel, later found to be irregularly approved by Bitou Municipality despite more than 300 objections. This approval was subsequently reversed by a new council.
Feenstra bought the property on auction for R8m in 2023.
"We believe this represents a major win for the residents and ratepayers of Plettenberg Bay," Burmeister said. "By undertaking this demolition at our expense, we are saving the municipality, and ultimately the ratepayers, millions of rands that would otherwise have been required to address this longstanding problem through the municipal tender process and possible litigation processes with the previous landowner.
"We are proud to contribute positively to the community in this manner. The demolition work will further be monitored and executed primarily by local consultants and contractors, ensuring that the economic benefits remain within the Plettenberg Bay community."
Prestigious
The immediate commencement of demolition will also address the serious safety and crime concerns that have been raised by the Plettenberg Bay Ratepayers and Residents Association.
"We acknowledge that the abandoned structure has become a security risk," Burmeister said. "In the interim period leading up to demolition, we have been investing substantial resources in private security to monitor the property, and our security personnel are regularly engaged in combatting unwanted activity and preven-ting criminal behaviour on the site.
"The removal of the structure will permanently eliminate this security concern and significantly improve safety in the Signal Hill area for residents and visitors alike."
Burmeister confirmed that the rezoning of the property for redevelopment into a select number of exclusive high-end residential units is currently in progress and that the new owners are "actively engaging with interested and affected parties in a transparent and consultative manner" to address any concerns and objections.
"Our vision remains to create a prestigious, state-of-the-art residential development that will harmoniously integrate with the surrounding properties. We are confident that replacing the current illegal structure with a high-quality development will significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of Signal Hill and contribute positively to property values throughout the area."
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