GEORGE NEWS - The appearance of many containers on the eastern heights of Victoria Bay had residents speculating, but has now been explained. The containers are being used to cultivate plants for agricultural purposes.
Residents of Welgelegen Estate and Victoria Heights wanted to know what the containers, that have been there a while, are for, and why they are increasing.
One resident, who asked that his name be withheld, recently told George Herald that while municipal regulations is one aspect, he would rather see the matter in an ecological context. "How is this beautiful coastal skyline impacted?" he asked.
One of the other residents who wanted to know "what's going on" contacted ADCP Councillor Johan du Toit, who told George Herald that he took up the matter with the director of planning at the municipality. The director looked into it and building inspectors were sent to the property.
It turns out that the containers are for agricultural plants. Du Toit was told that the containers will be removed later. "At this stage it seems if nothing illegal is happening there," he said on Tuesday 10 May.
According to municipal communications manager Chantèl Edwards, the property is zoned as agricultural zone 1 and the activities taking place there are in order.
George Herald contacted the owner on Tuesday, who also asked that his name be withheld. He said he is a farmer and bought the property for the very purpose of farming. He is using the containers as a nursery, to cultivate plants, and the containers will eventually be removed. He plans to plant macadamia trees.
Residents are concerned that the containers may become an eyesore on a hilltop near Victoria Bay. Photos: Eugene Gunning
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
