Update

GEORGE NEWS - The public is invited to comment on the draft scoping report in the rezoning application for a proposed university precinct development at the Garden Route Dam. The cut-off date for written comments is 17 May.

George Municipality is in the process of rezoning the land (a portion of the remainder of Erf 464) to allow for a commercial waterfront, residential and tertiary educational development.

The application pertains to 118,5 hectares of which large parts do not fall within the urban edge, but according to the draft scoping report, the municipality is amending the urban edge and the newly proposed urban edge includes the majority of the development site.

According to the report, the key component of the development is the proposed campus with its core situated in the eastern half of the site (near the dam wall).

A combination of single residential and group housing is proposed on the south-eastern part and on a smaller section towards the north-western boundary. Student housing is to be located in clusters on the eastern side and dispersed around the extended campus.

The development also includes international-standard rugby / soccer fields and a campus sports oval that can house a cricket field or athletics track that will also be accessible for public use.

On the north-eastern side a hotel and tourism business development is being proposed. According to the report, these facilities would act as a major attraction for the wider community and will ensure that the site is utilised at all times of the year. This precinct could also include a business school and tourism-related training facilities.

Next to the hotel and business site is a proposed waterfront commercial area that would accommodate formal retail activities focused on the general public and the campus.

Provision is made for two new access points to the development - along Madiba Drive - in addition to the existing access along Stander Street, which will be formalised.

The preferred development concept proposed for development on a portion of the remainder of Erf 464 at the Garden Route Dam. Image: Aurecon / SES

According to the report, the site does not contain any significantly sensitive vegetation, but conservation-worthy vegetation on suitable areas of the terrain are to be created through rehabilitation over the long term. Strong emphasis is also placed on the preservation and enhancement of natural assets present on the site. Green belts are to be incorporated and the riparian areas are to be maintained with selected buffer areas placed around the riparian zones.

Rezoning is sought from undetermined use to sub-divisional area with the following zones: Community Zone I, Business Zone I, Single Residential Zone I, General Residential Zone II, General Residential Zone IV, General Residential Zone VI, Open Space Zone II, Open Space Zone III and Transport Zone II.

• The draft scoping report is available for download from the Sharples Environmental Services (SES) website under the "Public Documents" section. 
• Submit written comment on or before 17 May 2021 by means of fax 086 575 2869, e-mail betsy@sescc.net or postal address: PO Box 443, Milnerton, 7435.

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