Wilderness Common: concerns over removal of restriction

GEORGE NEWS - An application by the George Municipality to remove a restrictive condition in the title deed of the Wilderness Common has sparked some heated responses from some local residents who are concerned that the current status of the property could be compromised.

At a public meeting at the Fairy Knowe Hotel last Thursday evening, 3 July, residents aired fears that the removal of the restriction could lead to noise nuisance, undesirable events taking place and eventual development of the property.

The condition, a remnant from the previous owner company, The Wilderness (1921) Ltd, currently restricts the usage of the common (Erf 243) to recreational purposes only, therefore events being held there are strictly speaking unlawful. The restriction also prohibits building or camping.

In terms of the title deed some of the property owners surrounding the common can also decide who may use the park, which is unconstitutional, according to the deputy director of Planning and Environmental Management, Delia Power, who did a presentation on the application at the meeting.

Power said the restriction is contradicting the current zoning - Open Space Zone 1 - and the municipality is not able to grant the required permits for occasional events that the public apply for. This prevents the property from being used to its full potential by the community.

The municipality is concurrently processing an application from The Girls restaurant to legalise their usage of a portion of Erf 243 for outdoor seating. A lease agreement cannot be granted to them with the restrictive condition in place.

Power said if the restriction is removed, the zoning would guide its usage, enabling public events and other organised activities.

The restrictive condition could also remain, but would then be amended to include specific stipulations about the type of events allowed.

The deputy director of Planning and Environmental Management, Delia Power, speaking at the meeting. Photo: Alida de Beer

Power said mechanisms can also be built into the application process for events so that it requires input from the representative local community.

The park can also be adopted by the community to manage and maintain, as has been done in other parts of the city under the Adopt-A-Spot policy.

Power said the municipality does not intend to develop the site. “If there are plans to develop the local common, you will first see that in the spatial development framework. We also definitely will not go against any heritage on the site. Unlawful occupation would also never be allowed by the municipality.”

Charl Jacobs, chairperson of the Wilderness Ratepayers and Residents Association, said their constituents are in favour of what the municipality is trying to achieve. “That said, the common is part of the essence of Wilderness and we want it to remain in its current state.”