The item was served late and was not included in the original agenda for the meeting.
Both the park owners and animal activists waited in anticipation for Mayco to consider this item, which had first appeared on the agenda of a Special Executive Mayco meeting in December last year. It served on another Mayco meeting in April, but was never passed.
The proposal includes plans to establish a small sanctuary for two tigers and two cheetahs as well as a restaurant and a farm animal touch-farm on vacant land in Kraaibosch.
Following complaints from an animal activist group earlier this year regarding the proposed facility, Mayco decided to send a request to Provincial Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell, asking for clarification on the roles and responsibilities of the municipality (land use) versus that of CapeNature (licensing) regarding the keeping of wild animals.
Bredell confirmed in September that the directorate acted in a correct manner procedurally and the objections received were adequately addressed. "He also concurs with the town planner's assessment of the application as well as the recommendation to approve it," reads the report to Mayco.
The reasons for Mayco's approval reads as follows: The proposal is in line with the spatial planning for the area; the application will not negatively impact on the natural and built environment or the rights or amenities of surrounding neighbours; approval of the application will assist with the strengthening of the tourism sector.
According to animal activist Hester Greeff, the road does not end here. "We will take this further," she said.
"Bredell's office is already aware of the irregularities. We will fight this on provincial and national level."
Click here for previous articles:
- Update: Wildlife park approved
- George Wildlife Park approved
- Proposal for wildlife park reconsidered
- Katgeveg oor wildsplaaspark duur voort
- Update: Kraaibosch wildlife park
- Plans for Kraaibosch wildlife farm
ARTICLE: MICHELLE PIENAAR, GEORGE HERALD - JOURNALIST
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