Aalwyndal biodiversity study deferred by municipality

Update

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Strategic Biodiversity Offset Framework Plan related to the potential development in Aalwyndal has been deferred by the Mossel Bay Municipality.

This was confirmed during the municipality's monthly council meeting on Thursday 30 October.

The matter was brought forward by Ward 7 Councillor Stephan Botha, who asked that the plan be deferred out of respect for the concerns raised by residents during a public participation meeting held in September.

As previously communicated by the municipality, the biodiversity offset investigation has not been served before Council and has no legal binding.

It is currently a draft and public opinion would be taken into consideration before being finalised.

During the council meeting, the following was resolved:

To formally acknowledge that the bio-diversity study has no legal standing in the current planning processes.
To take note of the dissatisfaction expres-sed by Aalwyndal residents regarding the consultation process.
To direct that no municipal endorsement or implementation of the study or its finan-cial and land use mechanisms will occur at this stage.
To encourage environmental consultants and the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) to engage meaning-fully with affected landowners before any further steps are taken.

Several residents of Aalwyndal, who wish to remain anonymous, told Mossel Bay Advertiser they are accepting of the municipality's decision to pause the biodiversity study, particularly Report 5, which highlights the management and financial arrangements for biodiversity offsets within the plan.

The Mossel Bay Municipality has reiterated that public input remains a priority when it comes to Aalwyndal.

"While biodiversity conservation remains a priority, Council reiterated that no obligations will be imposed on residents without due process and consultation," it said.

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