Plans for a new shopping centre in Mitchells Plain have received mixed reactions from residents, with some welcoming possible jobs and others questioning the public participation process.
The proposed Mitchells Plain Convenience Centre would be developed on privately owned land opposite Westgate Mall.
The application covers properties at 2 Putney Avenue, 2 Sunbird Road and 1 Sunbird Road in Rondevlei Park, Weltevreden Valley.
The developer has applied for subdivision, rezoning, permanent departures and approval of a site development plan.
However, the City of Cape Town has not yet approved the project.
Tribunal will make final decision
Subcouncil 17 chairperson and Ward 43 councillor Elton Jansen said the property owner has a legal right to submit a planning application.
He stressed that councillors cannot block an owner from applying to develop privately owned land.
The Municipal Planning Tribunal will decide whether to approve or reject the development after assessing the application and public submissions.
Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment Eddie Andrews confirmed that the proposal remains under assessment.
The application will be considered under the City’s Municipal Planning By-law.
Jobs welcomed but concerns remain
Jansen said the subcouncil supports economic development and investment in principle. He added that the proposed centre could create employment opportunities.
However, residents have raised concerns about traffic and whether the community received enough information about the plans.
Ward 75 councillor Joan Woodman said a traffic circle has been approved as part of measures aimed at calming traffic in the area.
Brenda King, who identified herself as the chairperson of a newly formed ratepayers’ association, called for a public meeting before the process ends.
She also questioned whether the required notice was published in a newspaper that would effectively reach affected residents.
Jansen said application information and official comment forms had been distributed. He added that the association’s executive committee was offered a meeting to explain the process, but declined the invitation.
Residents can submit objections
Residents have until the end of Monday, 27 July, to submit written comments using the City’s prescribed form.
Submissions must explain the resident’s interest in the application and provide reasons for supporting or opposing it.
The tribunal will consider the submissions before making its final decision.
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