GEORGE NEWS - The environmental application for the proposed eco-estate and resort development on erf 1297, Kleinkrantz, has been rejected by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), but the applicant, Waterleaf Properties, intends to submit a revised application.

The land belongs to the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) that had signed a lease agreement of 99 years with the developer, Waterleaf Properties, for the 30-hectare property. 

The property was previously partly developed as Kleinkrantz Resort on 2.1ha of the 30ha land, but it never got off the ground.

The proposed Waterleaf development had been clad in controversy with the Wilderness and Lakes Environmental Forum (Waleaf), a local environmental watchdog, questioning the alleged irregularities in the tender process and lease agreement signed by the GRDM that lead to this development lease being signed.

In 2020, the GRDM had released a media statement regarding five areas of the property that would be developed.

It had indicated that the first phase would encompass, among others, a conference facility, luxury villas, hotel, spa, shops, restaurants, small shopping centre and a filling station. It would also include a conservation area with walkways, look-out points and facilities for hosting cycling, canoe, canopy or bike rentals. There would also be beach access. Waterleaf Properties would manage the estate.

Wilderness National Park had opposed the development and had warned that the property is a critical biodiversity area and one of the last natural corridors between the lakes system and the coast within an area that is highly urbanised. The functionality of the landscape on the property would be "totally compromised" by the development, it had said. It had also expressed interest in acquiring the property as part of their expansion footprint.

Waleaf chairperson Melissa Dalton welcomed DFFE's decision. "Now that the EIA application has been refused, Waleaf is committed to pushing for the cancellation of the lease on the property. We are relieved that the developers' environmental assessment practitioner (EAP) has indicated that they will not be appealing DFFE's decision. 

"However, the decision does not automatically mean that the lease agreement is cancelled nor does it guarantee the protection of the property from future development and incorporation into SANParks. For now, DFFE’s decision is a victory but there are still more talks to be held regarding the future of the property.

"Since the department's decision was communicated to us on Friday, we have been inundated by people and environmental organisations who have expressed great relief with the decision taken."

The existing resort that Waterleaf now wants to develop.

Reasons for DFFE's refusal

Reasons for DFFE's rejection include certain listed activities in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Nema) that the development would have triggered. These include excavations of a magnitude much higher than allowed under Nema within 100m of the high-water mark of the sea and clearance of much bigger portions of indigenous vegetation than allowed under the act. The property is also located in a critical biodiversity area where more than 300m² is not allowed under the National Environmental and Biodiversity Act (Nemba).

The development would have necessitated about 600m³ of excavations to accommodate buildings, roads, services and security fencing. Nema allows for a maximum of 5m³ of excavations within 100m of the high-water mark of the sea and Nemba for a maximum of 300m² of clearing of indigenous vegetation in a critically biodiversity area.

Waterleaf Properties has indicated that they will continue with efforts to develop on erf 1297 and will readvertise the application. Karin van der Walt, the director, said any future development will be limited to the footprint of the existing resort, and only the current infrastructure and services will be used. "The design follows a low-impact approach that is environmentally sensitive and aligned with conservation principles."

She further stated, "The application for the proposed development on Erf 1297, Wilderness, has not yet been approved. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has indicated that an extended period for public participation is required. In addition, it has been requested that SANParks’ input be considered, even though the property in question falls within the jurisdiction of the Garden Route District Municipality and not under SANParks. 

"Once SANParks’ feedback has been received, the application will be readvertised to give the public sufficient opportunity to participate. Thereafter, the application will be submitted to the department for final consideration and approval," said Van der Walt.

She said they are currently exploring a partnership with SANParks to conserve the remainder of the land. The project would have minimal environmental impact and bring job opportunities for the Kleinkrantz community.

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