Will plans for a new mall in Hout Bay be approved?
Image: Tauriq Hassen
Hout Bay residents have opposed plans for a new shopping centre in Princess Street, claiming they were left in the dark and warning that the development could permanently alter the character of their community.
The proposed development seeks to transform a portion of land currently zoned as rural into a mixed-use subdivision area that would accommodate a shopping centre, transport infrastructure, and utility services.
The application includes rezoning the property to General Business, Transport, and Utility zoning, as well as subdivision into four portions. It also seeks approval for several departures from existing planning regulations, including reduced setbacks for parking and buildings, increased carriageway widths, and permission to raise the ground level above four metres.
However, it is not only the scale of the proposal that has sparked outrage.
Residents claim they were never properly consulted and say the lack of meaningful public participation has left many blindsided by a development they believe will have significant consequences for the surrounding area.
"We woke up to find that a major shopping centre is being planned on our doorstep without the community being properly engaged," Hout Bay resident Llewlyn Adams said.
Many fear the development will bring daily traffic congestion, increased noise pollution, and parking spill-over into neighbouring residential streets.
Residents also question whether the existing road infrastructure can cope with the additional traffic volumes expected from a regional shopping destination.
"The roads are already under pressure during peak periods. Adding hundreds of vehicles every day will create complete chaos," another resident said.
Environmental concerns are also emerging as a major point of contention.
According to the planning application, the proposal does not comply with the Municipal Spatial Development Framework as the site falls within an area identified as a floodplain, a medium-risk coastal inundation area, an "Other Natural Area (Buffer 1)," and land under investigation for heritage significance.
The proposed site where developers intend on building a new shopping mall for Hout Bay.
Image: Supplied
The application further seeks permission to reduce required setbacks, allow walls exceeding standard height limits with no permeability along the street boundary, and widen vehicle access points beyond what is ordinarily permitted.
This is not the first time concerns have been raised over commercial development in the area.
Community members are now calling on the City to ensure that every objection is fully considered before any decision is made.
"This isn't about opposing development," said Jacky Hanscombe, another unhappy resident.
Plans for the proposed new mall for Hout Bay has residents up in arms.
Image: Supplied
"It's about responsible planning, protecting our community, and ensuring that residents have a genuine voice in decisions that will affect generations to come."
Ward councillor Roberto Quintas confirmed that that an application was received for Environmental Impact Assessment and other works by the proposed developer.
He also confirmed that the land was indeed "private" and not "public".
Quintas added that when the City received a Land Use Management application, the application will be circulated to surrounding residents for comment.
"I am reserving my right to comment officially and await the opportunity on the formal process to do so," he said.