Kenton leisure estate gets green light
JON HOUZET
A LUXURY leisure estate on the east bank of the Kariega River at Kenton-on-Sea has been given the green light by provincial authorities.
An environmental authorisation (EA) for the 125-unit development on a 100ha area bordering the Kenton Eco Estate, was granted by the department of economic development, environmental affairs and tourism (Dedeat) on November 19.
The developer is Cape Town-based Acme Capital. The development will incorporate three existing houses on the Farm Grants Valley.
According to the EA, the proposed density of the development of 1.25 units per hectare is less than 10% (20 units per hectare) allowed by Ndlambe's Spatial Development Framework Plan for this portion of land.
Two types of plots are included in the proposed residential estate:
· Building footprint plots with an approximate building area of 250m2 with disturbance to the natural vegetation limited to this footprint located in already open, disturbed areas on the fringe of the coastal thicket. The developer has undertaken that no new clearings will be made in the thicket.
· Erven plots in open grassland areas which will average 1864m2 (varying from 624 to 5225m2). The development footprint will be about 350m2 in a larger defined disturbance area.
"The remaining areas outside the disturbance areas and house footprints will remain in a natural state and will not be disturbed," the EA stated.
A nursery of between 1000m2 and 2000m2 will be constructed to rehabilitate plants removed for construction purposes.
An entrance gate and gatehouse will be built opposite the Southwell gravel road, and a new access road will be built within the development.
"Due to the limited capacity of the Kenton-on-Sea sewage system and the higher negative impacts associated with an off-site waterborne sewage system, an on-site system is the preferred option," the EA said.
The developer plans to install a Biolytix system whereby grey water (sullage) and black water (toilet and kitchen waste) are separated and treated at each dwelling.
Treated waste water from the erven plots will be used for on-site irrigation of gardens, while treated waste water from the building footprint plots will be pumped to two constructed evaporation ponds or reed beds located in low lying areas.
Ndlambe municipality currently cannot provide sufficient potable water for the estate so the development has been designed to minimise any demand it may require from the Amatole Water Board, the municipality's water service provider.
The reticulation network will include a 0.75ML potable bulk storage reservoir and a collection network which will convey rainwater surplus, wastewater and stormwater to a central collection point.
A notice of intention to appeal must be lodged with the MEC for economic development, environmental affairs and tourism within 10 days of the notice. Thereafter a formal, written appeal must be submitted to the MEC within 30 days. Only appeals on environmental grounds can be considered.
Correspondence may be sent to the MEC by fax on (043) 605-7300, for the attention of S Gqalangile; by post to the General manager: environmental affairs, P Bag X0054, Bhisho 5605; or by hand to Beacon Hill, Hockley Close, King William's Town.
