Full council approved the local spatial development framework (LSDF) for Sir Lowry’s Pass Village and surrounds at its meeting last Wednesday (28 May).
The framework sets a spatial vision for the area, aiming to guide future development decisions and public investment in infrastructure upgrades, among other aspects. The LSDF concerns the area bordered by the N2 highway, including Blue Rock Cable Waterski Resort, the railway line, Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Tobacco Lane, Knorhoek Road, Farm 840 and Tre Donne Country Estate. The approval follows several public engagements and workshops hosted by the City of Cape Town last year and early this year, aiming to inform locals that the draft LSDF was available for input and comment by the end of January.
“I want to thank all the residents and stakeholders who collaborated with the City in finalising the LSDF for this area. Now that council has approved the LSDF, this document will guide development and land-use decisions to address current challenges, such as the need for community facilities and open space, to plan for future population growth, and build on the opportunities to the benefit of the local communities.”
Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee member for spatial planning and the environment.
“The LSDF also addresses the existing backlog in services provision and accommodation. It is our intention to implement solutions, interventions and the spatial vision to improve the local area’s resilience to the impact of climate change and protect our natural environment and heritage resources.”
Furthermore, Andrews said the framework identifies opportunities for the living conditions of locals to be improved, along with the upliftment of the economy in and around Sir Lowry’s Pass. “For example, there is the potential for a mixed-use economic link between Sir Lowry’s Pass and the Firlands development area that can provide job opportunities and help the local economy grow.
“The LSDF provides us with the spatial vision to guide the development of vacant land, and the upgrade of informal settlements with due consideration to heritage areas that must be conserved, protected and enhanced to become tourist attractions. The same applies to our environmental assets.”
The document provides a spatial vision and development guidelines, while also providing policy direction for future development and the form it should take. It also guides land use and environmental decisions in support of the Helderberg District Spatial Development Framework and aims to inform strategic public and private investment initiatives, as well as development priorities.
The LSDF prioritises public investment in infrastructure, sets implementation actions to achieve the spatial vision, while taking into account local challenges and opportunities, and provides guidance on growth management in the area and greater focus, while not taking away land-use rights.
The Sir Lowry’s Pass Village LSDF proposes the following:
- upgrading opportunities within Sir Lowry’s Pass Village to improve general living conditions;
- provision of quality amenities;
- maintaining and improving public open spaces;
- prioritising informal settlement upgrades;
- prioritising the provision of community facilities;
- reinforcing the local village character, and establishing a vibrant local commercial or business node to serve local communities;
- review, protect and enhance the development of the scenic Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road;
- protecting and enhancing heritage assets, and the heritage character of Broadlands farm;
- retaining the rural character of new development areas by promoting low-density residential development;
- encouraging mixed use development and medium-density residential development in appropriate areas; and
- promoting destination places such as the Blue Rock Cable Waterski Resort, Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Village Station, Farm Goedverwachting, Monkey Town and existing wine farms.
