GEORGE NEWS - The George Municipality said it could not comment on the objections from the King George Homeowners Association while the appeal process is underway, but referred the newspaper to a municipal report addressing residents' objections.
According to this document, a traffic impact study showed that the intersections of Barkhuizen Drive / Plattner Boulevard, and Loch Lomondry Ave / Langenhoven Street, will indeed need upgrading as they are currently already inadequate to handle existing traffic. Paved sidewalks will also have to be created.
A third road exit will however not be permitted.
The development is located next to an operational bus route and many people will make use of public transport, which will reduce traffic impact and the number of parking bays needed. Village Ridge will be within walking distance of the CBD and if the municipality constructs a pedestrian bridge over Camphersdrift River, it will link the development with Western Street.
The provision of services, with certain upgrades, will not be problematic, according to the report.
The architectural style is contemporary Southern Cape vernacular. Architectural guidelines are in place to "protect the dignity and vision" of the suburb. Open spaces take up about 14% of the total area of the development, which is "more than sufficient".
Future increased activity is a given in this neighbourhood as the land is zoned for townhouse development. Furthermore, the proposed increase in density by six units per hectare is in line with governmental policies.
The report also states that Village Ridge meets the municipality's aims of optimising infrastructure and limiting urban sprawl. It will integrate segregated communities and improve living conditions for people from poorer communities. Furthermore, there are no environmental issues.
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