A development plan for Constantia has been approved by the city after years of squabbling between locals, the business community and the council.

The plan sets out all future development of 11 properties bordering the Constantia Main, Ladies Mile and Spaanschemat roads, spelling out the landscaping requirements, the space allowed for commercial use and the aesthetics of the structures to be erected on the properties.

When the plan was first mooted, residents in the area objected, saying they were concerned that the plan would turn Constantia into a commercial village and spoil the character of the place.

Ken Hinrichsen of the Barbarossa residents' group said he was now reasonably satisfied with the plan, after key amendments were made to the original plan.

His group had been concerned about the space allocated for businesses run from home, about who had financed the plan's formation, and about the effect it would have on property values.

However, the DA councillor for the area, Patricia Heming, said the money for the study came from the Constantia Valley Trust set up by local residents, and that the primary objective of the plan was to protect the residential character of the area.

Sunday Times