We listened to public

THE letter by Mr Eban Tucker “Fight for our rights” (Cape Times, November 2) refers.

The organisation that Mr Tucker represents has been a partner in public consultation. Over the past 10 months we listened carefully to the public input and have adapted the development vision for the Clifton Precinct quite substantially.

Changes to the design vision include the recommendation that the Maiden’s Cove recreational area be enlarged by at least 50 percent. It is, therefore, simply inaccurate to allege that the greenbelt below Camps Bay High School will be removed.

The heritage and environmental value of the site is acknowledged. Residents can look forward to an improved and safer recreational area. The site is about 14ha and has a preliminary valuation of R830 million. It is foreseen that only about 4ha will be developed. The potential developers will be required to contribute to certain upgrades within the area.

In addition, a special fund will be established whereby a portion of the sale/lease proceeds paid by the potential developers will be pooled to fund innercity inclusionary housing projects.

Upon completion of the competitive bid process, further public participation will be undertaken because a Heritage Impact Assessment, land use and rezoning application, and an Environmental Impact Assessment will be triggered. Alderman Ian Neilson