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Feb 21, 2008:
The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk has given developers the green light to commence with the Knysna River Reserve (KRR) development, which will include a variety of accommodation options.
This comes after taking into consideration the three appeals lodged against its proposed establishment.
The Director-General of the department Pamela Yako said the KRR would be developed as a sport based resort which is linked to the South African "Hall of Fame".
The development would include accommodation units consisting of 60 stadium resort units, 275 clustered resort units, and a resort hotel with 60 suites.
Furthermore, a nature resort and golf course with 91 units, comprising 15 hillside, 34 forest fringe and 42 terrace units for use by tourist and holiday makers, will be constructed. A nature reserve, with the highest conservation status is also planned. No developments will go up on this land.
Ms Yako authorised the West River Development Company to proceed with the development of the KRR on 28 March 2006, but three appeals were subsequently lodged against its authorisation.
The three appeals contained a number of grievances including an anticipated restriction of the use of public areas such as the Old Drift picnic spot and the Phantom Pass road which runs through the property. In addition, concern was raised as to the possible effect of the development on the character of the Knysna River Valley, as well as the financial viability of the project.
Water supply and consumption, sewage management, as well as the possible effects of the project on the Knysna River eco-system were also worrying factors.
"The proposed development does not fully conform to the principles laid down in the Provincial Urban Edge Guidelines, the Western Cape Provincial Spatial Development Framework and the Guidelines for Golf Estates, Polo Fields and Polo Estates in the Western Cape," read one of the appeals.
However, the minister said after considering all the concerns raised by the various aggrieved parties, that the Director-General had adequately considered the major anticipated environmental impacts of the proposed development.
"The assurance given by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) on the availability of water for the Knysna area, and the comprehensive agreement to be entered into between the developer and the Knysna Municipality on water provision, and the development and management of water infrastructure for the KRR will alleviate the concerns expressed about water supply and consumption."
He continued by saying that although certain servitudes will be registered by the developer, the right of access by the public to the Old Drift and Phantom Pass will be guaranteed.
A sewage treatment plant with a capacity of 462m³/d is planned, as well as a permanent water reservoir for bulk water supply.
The minister said to accommodate the proposed development of the KRR, amendments were made to the Knysna-Wilderness-Plettenberg Bay Regional Structure Plan, and that the amendments were approved by the Western Cape Provincial Government on 5 February 2008.
Speaking to BuaNews on Tuesday, West River Development Company Director Greg Metzer said that development would start as soon as all the conditions allowing them to go on site have been met.
Although Mr Metzer was not able to set a date for the start of the project, he said it would be within a number of weeks. - By Michael Appel, BuaNews
