By Timothy Twidle

The Old Rectory, a historic complex in Plettenberg Bay, may be preserved and redeveloped as a boutique hotel.

An application and basic assessment report for the development of the buildings has been submitted to the Bitou council by Domenico Property Developments of Plettenberg Bay.

The 4065m² site at the corner of Bull and Meeding streets is a stone‘s throw from Central Beach.

At a Bitou council meeting on March 31, a resolution was tabled, stating that permission had been granted for rezoning of the area, subject to certain conditions.

The complex was originally two separate structures linked by a yard with a cookhouse. The buildings were constructed in 1789 by the Dutch East India Company, as barracks for a garrison of troops stationed in Plettenberg Bay.

In the early 20th century, the barracks, cookhouse and yard were combined to create a single, large T-shaped building. Close by is a rough outbuilding, known as The School House, and The Old Timber Shed built for The Dutch East India Company by Johann Jerling in 1788.

These buildings, together with the replica of the processional stone erected by Baron Van Plettenberg on the break of a slope above the site, form the historic heart of Plettenberg Bay.

Today, the buildings are in a state of disrepair.

Bitou council speaker Lawrence Luiters said: “Any redevelopment would incorporate the historic buildings, nothing will be knocked down. The historic nature of the site will be preserved.

“An environmental impact study must be done now. Provided that all of the requisite procedures have been followed and the necessary reports submitted, I am sure that this development will be looked upon favourably by the council.”

Domenico‘s plan allows for restoration of the existing buildings and the construction of new buildings for a boutique hotel with 22 rooms. The development would cover 2367m², with a height restriction on the buildings of 8,5m.

Other proposals for the development of flats or a private residence on the site have been rejected as inappropriate.

Van Plettenberg Historical Society member Peter Duminy said: “We understand that the upgrading and redevelopment of the site would include a historical library that would display old photographs and historical memorabilia. We were initially sceptical about the planned redevelopment but, if properly done, it could be a project that really works.”

Former Bitou municipality public works director Davis Friedman said: “The planned redevelopment of The Old Rectory is one of the best projects ever to come the way of Plettenberg Bay, and it is good news for the town.”

A number of residents within the vicinity of The Old Rectory have opposed the redevelopment on the grounds that it would disturb the peace and tranquillity of the area.

Source: The Herald