Concern over impact of multi-storey flats next to Blue Mountain

GEORGE NEWS - Concerns were raised at a public meeting about the direct impact that the proposed 680-flat development by Century Property Developments could have on the adjacent Blue Mountain Estate.
The George Ratepayers and Residents Association (GRRA) hosted the meeting in the George Civic Centre on Tuesday evening, 1 September.

The developer has applied to rezone Erf 28005, a 5.7ha property situated behind Builders Warehouse on the corner of Park Road and Platinum Drive, from Business Zone I to General Residential Zone IV.

The proposed development comprises 18 three- and four-storey blocks of rental apartments, as well as a clubhouse, gymnasium, gatehouse, maintenance building and outdoor recreational facilities.

Japie Vos, representing the developer, said the project would provide much-needed rental accommodation in George. He said between 1 000 and 1 800 people could ultimately live in the development. The target market is young professionals, and the monthly rental would range from R7 000 to R15 000.

Responding to the concerns about the impact on Blue Mountain, Vos said the original site layout has been amended to mitigate visual impacts.

The original building line (4m) applied for has been set back 20m from the two boundaries shared with the estate, save for two buildings that are 7m away. Mitigation for these two is still being considered. Furthermore, he said all the required technical matters on infrastructure and services have been addressed.

During her presentation on the rezoning process, Delia Power, George Municipality’s deputy director of planning and development, said the application is now in the public participation phase. No decision has been taken on the application yet. She stressed that under the property’s existing Business Zone I rights, it can be used for business purposes, with no coverage limit and no prescribed density, but with flats above the ground floor.

Hannes Jansen from the GRRA and MC for the meeting.

Building heights

Several residents spoke out against the density and height of the proposed apartment buildings, saying the technical matters were not the main issue.

Hannes Jansen, a GRRA member, said the development’s success should not be measured only by the balance sheet of the developer, but by a win-win situation for everybody involved. “The heartbeat of the people has to be considered. At the end of the day, this is our city.”

Dawid Vermeulen questioned the development’s socio-economic impact and whether its architecture fitted the area. “How is it going to affect my lifestyle as a person who lives in a retirement estate? You are dealing with people who bought here and live here because of the beauty of the Garden Route.”

Dawid Vermeulen

Jobs, schools and roads

Retha Davel questioned whether George had the jobs, schools and road capacity to support the development. She said it could undermine the quality of life that attracts people here. “You can’t get away from the fact that George is actually a town.”

She said older people move to the area because of its open spaces, retirement lifestyle and mountain views, while younger families come here to raise their children in a less congested environment.

Japie Vos, representative of Century Property Developments.

Demographic realities

Antonio Carlofelice wanted to know if the rental was in line with economic and demographic realities. He referred to information presented at the meeting that indicated that 80% of the income of most people in George was below R22 000 a month, and more than 60% of those who had moved into the area, according to 2025 figures, were over 55 and retired here because of the lovely environment.

Antonio Carlofelice