Green light for Boschendal?
2005-09-01
THE heritage impact assessment of the farmlands involved in the proposed Boschendal development on 1821 hectares in Groot Drakenstein is now available for public review and comment at the Pniel library.
According to the study, the proposed subdivision should be allowed subject to amendments recommended in the visual scoping study and a range of heritage management actions.
The project involves a mix of agricultural, residential, tourism, eco-tourism and commercial land uses within the framework of the Sustainable Development Initiative.
It was compiled in response to a request from the Stellenbosch Municipality for a holistic and integrated planning approach to achieve responsible conservation and development objectives for the Dwars River Valley.
Most prominent among the three core projects are the farmlands involving 18 founders’ estates of between 23 and 44 hectares each, priced from R15 million to R30 million.
The Farmlands fall within the Cape Winelands Cultural Landscape which has been declared as a provisional heritage resource by the SA Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra).
Nine of these estates already have homesteads on them, two of which are authentic Cape Dutch buildings.
The developable portion of each farm is limited to 0,8 hectares, with no rezoning involved.
The developers have attempted to conserve the rural atmosphere and the original landscape, while farming activities will continue around the homesteads.
Boschendal retains a 99 year lease on the agricultural land of about 400 ha and will run the vineyards for their own profit or loss.
Owners will have the right to wines from the estate, as well as use of the historic Rhodes cottage as clubhouse and guesthouse.
Thus far Boschendal has received the approval of the national Department of Agriculture and the Stellenbosch Municipality, subject to certain conditions set by the SA Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra).
The positioning of some homesteads have been changed, following the visual impact assessment by Sahra.
According to the assessment the land has exceptional heritage significance but the proposal is compatible with existing policy frameworks and, subject to mitigation, will have a relatively low heritage impact.
The project entails a comprehensive community empowerment scheme with 5% of all land sales going to a trust for the Dwars River community.
Comments must be submitted to Doug Jeffery Environmental Consultants, PO Box 44, Klapmuts, by Thursday 29 September.
For enquiries, contact 875-5272 or djec2@iafrica.com.
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