Concerns raised about Levendal
2006-09-07
In the Final Scoping Report on the proposed Levendal Development south of Paarl, members of the public have raised a number of concerns, including the economic viability of the empowerment component of the proposal.
The report, which is now available at the Paarl and Drakenstein public libraries, recommends that an environmental impact study be undertaken to investigate the potential impacts of the development located on the west bank of the Berg River along the R45.
It will include the rezoning and subdivision of portions of 14 farms and the Berg River Resort.
Levendal Developments (incorporating Power Developments, The Lord Trust and SAMFU, a black empowerment company) propose to redevelop portions of the farms and existing holiday resort as an integrated residential area, while at the same time retaining its rural character.
The properties together occupy an area of approximately 300ha south of the main railway line including the Paarl School of Skills.
About 450 low to medium cost residential units are proposed for the Adamsvale area, with a further 700 medium to high cost homes are planned for the remainder, as well as recreational facilities such as sports fields at the Paarl School of Skills and a small caravan park.
The proposed development is planned as a sustainable development initiative, including an agricultural empowerment initiative with an integrated low cost housing and socio-economic upliftment initiative.
It will include middle to high income housing, recreational facilities, three guesthouses, the rehabilitation of the Van Wyk and Piesang Rivers as well as the Berg River island, the establishment of a bird sanctuary on the island and the development of small, agricultural-related commercial nodes with restaurants, a wine cellar and other related facilities.
About 19% of the area (which is already disturbed land) will be redeveloped and the remaining 81% retained for agriculture and open space. The brickfields will be rehabilitated.
The development of Adamsvale, with sustainable empowerment projects in co-operation with local agriculture, is envisaged.
Issues and concerns during the public participation process included economic viability of the empowerment initiative, loss of agricultural land (urban sprawl), the impact om the Berg River, loss of biodiversity, loss of the rural character of area, limited capacity of infrastructure and services (water, sewage, refuse removal) and increased traffic on the R45.
Also of concern to residents of Paarl South (De Zoete Inval) was the fear that low cost housing would expand into unwanted informal settlements, negatively affecting property prices and increasing crime in the area.
A number of specialist studies will be required as part of an EIA in order to investigate the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed developments (these impacts include aquatic/botanical impact, heritage, visual, social, economic, planning and traffic impact.
The Final Scoping Report (FSR) will be submitted to the Department of Environment Affairs and Planning for their approval, together with the Plan of Study for the EIA.
Copies of the Final Scoping Report are available on SRK’s website www.srk.co.za (click on Public Documents).
Contact Belinda Gebhardt at SRK Consulting at Postnet Suite #206, Private Bag X18 Rondebosch 7701, or bgebhardt@srk.co.za or tel 659-3060, or fax 685-7105 for more information.
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