Sea Point fights to stop new high-rise

Residents set against proliferation of skyscraper buildings

SEA Point residents are up in arms over the proliferation of skyscrapers in the area, which they say is turning their neighbourhood into a version of Hong Kong.

This, as a new 18-storey skyscraper is planned by developer Berman Brose and HCI.

“Local residents met to discuss their concerns, and of particular concern is the developer’s request for a waiver of on-site loading bays. The developer has made allowance for only one on-site loading bay. This means that Pick n Pay will be off-loading their merchandise in the middle of the street, at all times of the day and night, causing chaos in Irwington, Gorleston and surrounding roads,” said Sea Point Ratepayers’ Association member Samantha Walt.

Walt said there were dire implications involved for residents in the area, including high volumes of traffic in an already congested area, excessive noise pollution, a threat to access to the fire station located across the way, and loss of views, light and privacy.

“The traffic survey, submitted by the developer ironically, only makes mention of St Johns Road, which is a wide road, and makes no reference to the two affected roads which are both one-ways and cannot take the increased volumes of traffic. During the 1970s, a few high-rise buildings were built in Sea Point, which stand out like sores,” she said.

Walt stays just a two blocks down from the development.

In the land use application, the developer said that the proposed development would be a mixed use intensification, as it results in increased residential densities and diversified residential offerings. Residents in the area have been urged to submit their objections to the City before the end of this month.

Sea Point residents have been concerned all year about the large number of high-rise buildings being built there.

“Picture the skyline of Hong Kong, with high-rise buildings lining the streets. A similar concrete jungle is planned for the Atlantic Seaboard, if local developers have their way,” Walt said.

“If the City of Cape Town were to allow this, it would absolutely pave the way for further developments of this nature. We thus appeal to all Atlantic Seaboard residents to stop the threat of high-rise buildings. The nature of developers is that if one of them manages to push this through, then all others will do the same.”

Nigel Burls, town planner for Berman Brose, said: “Well, it’s not the tallest building in Sea Point. We have been aware that some residents are unhappy about this, but we are going to wait for the objections deadline to close so we can decide what to do next.”

Mayoral committee member for transport and urban development Brett Herron said the application would follow the due process.