'Further investigation' needed

GEORGE NEWS - Responding to an enquiry from the newspaper regarding the withdrawal of the development proposal for the riding club land in Glenwood, George Municipal Manager Trevor Botha said the item was withdrawn as further investigation and reports regarding the premises are required.

"The detail of the proposed development is therefore still to be determined."

The municipality confirmed that they are awaiting the outcome of an investigation by the Public Protector regarding a council decision a few years ago, which pertained to a development tender on the riding club land.

The tender had been submitted by a George resident.

Asked whether Mediclinic George has recently indicated an intention to develop on the proposed institutional portion of the development, Botha said, "Council is not in possession of a formal expression of interest from any service provider at this stage."

Regarding the future of the riding club and golf course, he said, "Once a decision to release the land on tender is in hand, due processes will be followed with the existing tenants in accordance with their lease agreements.

"Should they identify municipal land to which they wish to relocate they may submit their applications in this regard."

Mediclinic
Mediclinic George Manager Kassie Karstens did not want to comment on whether they are considering this property as an option for their new hospital.

Glenwood golf course
The golf course's 15-year lease agreement with the municipality expired in July 2015. According to their current contract, their lessor has to give them six months' notice.

The Glenwood Short Golf Course on Knysna Road is the site mentioned in the development proposal that should be rezoned for institutional purposes, "given the evident need for a regional private hospital", according to a report that was withdrawn from the last council meeting. Photo: Alida de Beer

Reacting to the municipality's intention to develop the land, Gaylene Gibbon, co-owner of the golf course, said they will continue with business as usual for as long as possible.

"I think it is going to be a long-winded process to get the approvals through and we will hang in here at Glenwood till the last minute."

She said they would not consider developing an alternative course elsewhere as the costs are too high.

Riding club
Chairman of the riding club Mark de Villiers said they have rented the land on a month-to-month basis from the municipality for the past 10 years.

"We are at their mercy. We are currently tendering for two big shows in August and November next year that will bring in huge revenue to the town and 300 to 400 riders, plus their followers.

"We need to be sure what is going to happen, because we have to commit now to hosting the shows.

"There is no other identified land that we can move to and develop."

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