Heather Park church rezoning refused

GEORGE NEWS - A controversial application to rezone a residential property in Heather Park for use as a 175-seat place of worship has been refused by the George Municipality, a decision welcomed by the George Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRPA). However, the matter is not yet final, as the appeal period remains open until 10 July.

The application sought to rezone Erf 6700, situated on the corner of Cluster Road and Ash Street, from Single Residential Zone I to Community Zone II.

The proposed development would have allowed a high-intensity place of worship within an established residential neighbourhood.

The GRRPA, which lodged a formal objection in November 2025, said the municipality’s decision reflects concerns it raised about preserving the residential character of the area, as well as the likely impact on traffic, parking and the quality of life of nearby residents.

Sense of place

According to GRRPA chairperson Jacques Wessels, the issue extends beyond a single church application. He said the association is increasingly concerned about non-residential developments, including businesses and institutions, moving into residential suburbs.

GRRPA chairperson Jacques Wessels

“We are trying to preserve George’s sense of place,” Wessels said. “Every non-residential development changes traffic patterns and gradually alters the character of a neighbourhood.”

He said the association monitors all development applications affecting the urban edge and encouraged residents to become more involved. “If nobody raises objections, we cannot intervene. Public participation is essential if communities want a say in how their neighbourhoods develop.”

Wessels noted that another application, this time for a school in Heather Park, is expected to receive close scrutiny.

Public participation

Municipal spokesperson Chantèl Edwards confirmed that the rezoning application was refused on 19 June but said the municipality could not comment further while the appeal period remains open until 10 July.

Edwards also encouraged residents to make use of the municipality’s public participation processes.

All rezoning applications are advertised in local newspapers, on the George Municipality website and on its Facebook page, with new applications and decisions published every Friday. Notices are also displayed on the affected properties, neighbouring landowners are informed, and ward councillors are notified.

Residents who wish to comment or object must do so within the advertised timeframes by submitting their representations to both the municipal town planning administrative officer and the applicant. Those who lodge objections are notified once a decision has been made.