GEORGE NEWS - The process of reviewing and updating the Municipal Spatial Development Framework is now open to the public. This process will be divided into two components: reviewing the existing GMSDF2019 and secondly, drafting an amended GMSDF.
Comments on the existing GMSDF2019 may be submitted and will be considered in the reviewing process. Names and contact details may be submitted to be included in a list of interested and affected parties to partake in the review and amendment process.
All members of the public, groups, businesses and organisations are invited to comment on the existing GMSDF2019, which is available for view on the municipal website.
Hard copies
Copies of the GMSDF2019 are also available for view at the municipal offices, 71 York Street, George (fifth floor reception: Planning and Development Division), the Haarlem municipal offices (Hope Street) and the Uniondale municipal office (Voortrekker Street), from 09:00 to 13:00 on weekdays, from 30 August to 30 September.
When viewing the document at the municipal offices, strict Covid protocol must be adhered to including always wearing a mask, maintaining social distance and sanitizing.
A period of 30 days, between 30 August and 30 September, is set aside for submitting comments on the existing GMSDF2019, or registering as an interested and affected party.
Enquiries or requests for more information on the process may be directed to the town planning department on 044 801 9436 or via e-mail to the responsible spatial planner, Lynette Groenewald, at lgroenewald@george.gov.za.
• Registration/comments must show your name, surname, whether you represent a company/organisation, and detailed contact details (including e-mail address and/or cell number). Comments and representations may be submitted via e-mail to Keith Meyer at kbmeyer@george.gov.za or delivered to the Planning and Development offices at the municipal offices (fifth floor), to reach him by/on 30 September.
What will happen next?
Comment received before/on 30 September will be included in the review process where specific change requirements and/or gaps in the GMSDF2019 will be identified. Further opportunity for public participation will be provided during the process to formally amend the GMSDF.
It is very important that all residents of George participate in creating a George that works for all. You know your area/work/situation/requirements/businesses/challenges better than anyone and if you have any comments that may contribute to create a better environment, please participate, and submit your comments and/or register.
Why is the GMSDF important?
George is home to a wide range of businesses, individuals, families, organisations and groups. All must work together to protect the positive aspects of living in this unique, vibrant, ever-changing environment in an equitable way, while enabling positive, managed growth.
Land use, services demands and factors such as climate change, energy regulations, provincial policy documents, national development imperatives and legislation all influence how development in George must be managed and supported.
The previously adopted George Municipal Spatial Development Framework, 2019 (GMSDF2019) illustrates the municipality's approach to managing rural and urban growth in a way that is sustainable, resilient and equitable. The spatial vision and strategies and policies to achieve this are set out in a document with related plans.
Guide development
The GMSDF2019 is a vital coordination instrument, used to guide development in the greater George, and directs public and private spending in a way that fosters integrated development and limits urban sprawl.
The existing GMSDF2019 shows the urban development boundary, where business, housing, transportation routes, open space, community facilities, heritage, natural and agricultural areas, tourism facilities, industrial uses and various other components that shape the living environment in the Greater George area, are supported.
The document and related plans focus on the nature and locality of development (the greater George area, including Herold's Bay, Haarlem, Wilderness, Hoekwil, Kleinkrantz, Uniondale, the rural hinterland and the George city area) to promote economic growth and job creation, to protect natural and heritage resources and to place social, economic, recreation and educational facilities and infrastructure to the maximum benefit of the residents.
Various sets of legislation (Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000), the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management, 2013 (Act 16 of 2013) and the George Land Use Management by-law, 2015) allow for the review and amendment of municipal and local spatial development frameworks.
As such, the George Municipality wishes to review and update/realign the GMSDF2019 to keep pace with the changing environment/context and to facilitate an enabling environment.
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
