Concern over proposed subdivision at Grande Roche
2010-05-06
Lise Beyers
RESIDENTS of Bosman Street, Paarl, are hot under the collar over a proposed development of agricultural land. Grande Roche Estates has applied for leave to subdivide part of their farm, adjacent to Bosman Street, into three residential properties of just over 600m2 each. Although this is only three properties, according to complainants the removal of the title deed restriction on subdivision of the land could pave the way for more Grande Roche land being developed in the future. This has led to urgent action being taken by residents to stop this development. Such a development is deemed to be undesirable and not in the interest of the community, as well as tainting the rural atmosphere of the surroundings. The farm, which dates back to 1717 when the farm was known as De Nieuwe Plantasie, is considered to be of great heritage value to the area. Efforts by the current and previous owners to subdivide this property have been an ongoing matter for many years, including plans in the 1960’s to make it the new campus of Paarl Boys’ High. But after considerable opposition from residents of Paarl, these applications were turned down. In the late 1980’s Grande Roche Estates seemed to succumb to public demands and gave their commitment that they would not develop their property. But this commitment has now fallen by the wayside. And, not all residents who will be affected by this development were notified about this. They were thus not given considerable time to appeal the application. Residents have now sought legal advice to bring this latest proposed development to a halt, once and for all. One of the residents, Dr Lawrie Coetzer, whose house borders on Grande Roche in Bosman Street, said that he bought his property years ago because of the farm-like atmosphere. “Bosman Street is a beautiful, quiet street on the slopes of Paarl Mountain, and none of the residents here want further development. “Subdivision of Grande Roche will impact on the aesthetic value of the area and also encourage developers to develop the remaining farming areas of Paarl. The fact that there are still farms within the urban area of our town makes us unique.” Another objection which has been aired by residents is the fact that any development there would put yet more strain on the already congested roads of Paarl. They are asking that an expert traffic assessment be done, as well as a visual impact assessment. And with this cloud hanging over Bosman Street, it is evident that residents are not going to be backing down from their opposition to this subdivision.
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