The historic Gamtoos Ferry Hotel - built in 1893 - will be demolished despite numerous objections.

Owner Karel Vogelbruck said he was going ahead with development plans for his property, which includes plans to demolish the original hotel, despite complaints from people worried about boat access to the river. Vogelbruck said the decline in business had made him decide to demolish the hotel and build a holiday complex instead.

He could not say when the hotel would be demolished and how many houses would be built, but he said he would be part of the development. "We are waiting for an environmental impact assessment from the government." Vogelbruck said it was difficult to survive in the area as there were no houses around and there was lots of competition.

He said maintaining the hotel cost him more money than he was making. Asked what would happen to the fishing club, he said: "We are organising a new site for the club. The fishermen will not be stranded." He said the fishermen would still be able to use the river.

Among the concerns raised regarding the demolition of the hotel is that people will not have a place from which to launch their boats.

Kouga municipal spokesman Phumzile Oliphant said the municipality did not have a say on matters relating to privately owned land.