BIG BAY SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK FACES BACKLASH

Alarm raised over nuclear safety and environmental risks

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

AS THE City of Cape Town invites public comment on the Big Bay Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF), including West Beach and Erf 1117, it has faced significant resistance from various ratepayer associations and political parties demanding its review, withdrawal or extension.

They cite biodiversity violations and safety concerns regarding the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station evacuation plan, among other issues.

The City said that the LSDF, which includes West Beach and Erf 1117 (owned by the National Department of Public Works), is a community-driven initiative aimed at refining the development vision for the area.

The Big Bay area, situated between the R27 to the east and the Table View coastline to the west, is bordered by the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve to the north and Marine Circle and Blaauwberg Road to the south.

The historic heart of the area is Blaauwbergstrand Village, an 19th-century fishing village featuring heritage buildings like Ons Huisie and Highclere Cottage, a MyCiTi bus service ~ and that its natural assets, including the scenic West Coast and a coastline such as the threatened Cape Flats Dune Strandveld and Cape Flats Sand Fynbos.

Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews emphasised that the City revised the initial community-submitted draft to comply with policies.