MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A total of 102 comments were received from the community during the public participation process that followed the Mossel Bay Municipality's proposal to develop middle income housing on an erf in Dias Beach.

This transpired in the meeting of the portfolio committee for planning and integrated services on Wednesday, 11 July.

The proposal was that Erf 3991 in Dias Beach be subdivided into two erven of approximately 44 400 square metrs each, so that one portion may be used for the development of middle income housing.

Council intends to decide at a future date on the utilisation of the remainder of the erf. The developer would be responsible for all costs relating to the infrastructure of the development.

Pending the results of the public participation process, the municipality intends to call for a tender for the development of middle and higher income homes (possibly flats), including a minimum of 55 middle-income GAP Housing opportunities with a minimum value of R450 000, and a maximum value of R750 000 for the household income range of R7 500 to R25 000.

A specific height restriction was also set. In addition, space would be provided on the site directly adjacent to the railway reserve for the possible future construction of a tram/light rail station with public access and public parking facilities.

Criteria
It was proposed that the middle income units be sold to buyers who comply as first time home owners with an income between R7 500 and R25 000 per month per household.

The buyer should be a permanent resident of the greater Mossel Bay area, and it is proposed that preference be given to employees such as municipal, government or other officials rendering services to the broader community, such as police officers, correctional services personnel, teachers or medical services staff. The buyer must personally occupy the property.

Objections
The objections to the proposal centered on primarily three issues, namely the possible devaluation in market value of existing properties and the possible increase in crime in the area; the extra pressure on utilities such as electricity, water and sewage supply infrastructure, especially over the holiday season; and the insufficient road infrastructure that may not be able to accommodate the expected extra traffic in the area.

Property values
The portfolio committee heard that the perception that property values will be affected is debatable.

The development will provide for middle to higher income housing - not low cost housing, and it is envisaged that the blocks of flats will be constructed with such a layout that the proposed 55 middle income (GAP) units are integrated into the bigger development.

It will therefore not be discernable from any of the other units.

The Portfolio Committee decided to promote the item to the monthly council meeting for a definitive decision.

The proposed development is subject to a scoping and environmental impact assessment. Council will have to decide whether the proposed limitations included in the tender documents will sufficiently allay the concerns raised during the public participation process.

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