The world is expanding and becoming more integrated, profoundly reshaping the cultural and economical landscape everywhere. This expansion is taking its toll on the natural resources that support development. The human impact on the global environment has grown from diminutive to elephantine.

In terms of the newly promulgated Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, 2013 Municipalities must have a short term (5 year) spatial plan as well as long term spatial development vision.

What kind of environment would you like to live in, in 30 – 40 years’ time?  What effect will that environment have on us?

The Integrated Development Framework (IDF) is an initiative of the Overstrand Municipality that provides guidance to the private and public sectors on the agreed long term spatial planning and strategic development direction for the Overstrand.

This draft document provides a broad set of principles, strategic spatial directives, policies, frameworks, plans and actions that will be used as an overall strategic guide, taking into consideration how land use, transportation planning, infrastructure, services, housing and facility provision should be co-ordinated to contribute positively to a sustainable, prosperous, livable and memorable environment.

Spatial form has a profound impact on the sustainability, economic performance, manageability, functionality, livability and attraction of a region.

A Strategic Environmental Management Framework (SEMF) was also compiled that provides a basis from which to promote and guide environmentally and socially responsible development within the Overstrand Municipal area towards 2050.

Why do we need an IDF?

Future pressure for residential development will, without doubt, necessitate in depth investigation into old, under-utilised, vacant or low value building stock in suitable locations that may provide opportunities for re-development.

This may include a change in the density or dwelling type, especially where opportunities exist to combine a number of smaller sites to create a large site with greater options for design and flexibility.

Another issue is the running cost of a household:  improving the environmental performance of housing and planning for alternative energy generation is essential.

Public Input

The strategic documents are also available for scrutinizing on the following website: www.overstrand.gov.za

The following public information sessions with regard to the IDF and SEMF will be held at:
2 October: Kleinmond Library:  17:00 – 19:00
3 October: Gansbaai Municipality Council Hall:  17:00 – 19:00
4 October: Hermanus Banquet Hall:  17:00 – 19:00

The Overstrand has maintained and enhanced its reputation for being a world class tourism and lifestyle destination. This is created by sustaining a balance between growth and development and preserving the natural environment.

Due to a request received from interested parties an extension of time to submit comments has been granted up till 1 November 2013.

Interested and affected parties are furthermore hereby invited to submit written comments with regard to the aforementioned, to the Overstrand Municipality Town Planning Department, PO Box 20, Hermanus, 7200, e-mail rkuchar@over strand.gov.za and facsimile +27(0)28 313 2093, or by hand (quoting municipal notice number) to 16 Paterson Street, Hermanus, before or on 1 November 2013.

Riana Steenekamp