By Cheri-Ann James

Buffalo City could have a brand new suburb near Cove Rock with 11900-homes, shops, hotel and offices within the next five years if the council gives its stamp of approval for the proposed development .

Details emerged om Tuesday when the Buffalo City council met to consider, among other things, the adoption of a framework plan for the proposed development of the new suburb, to be called Rock Cliff.

The matter was referred to council by the mayoral committee, which has already given its approval .

The matter was, however, not discussed after it was tabled; the ANC proposed that it be deferred and referred to the executive mayor for additional information.

Developers Infinite Properties are keeping mum until council gives the go-ahead.

But council documents reveal that the Rock Cliff development could be “the single most significant development in Buffalo City to date”.

The proposed suburb, which will be as big as Beacon Bay, will be centred on a golf estate.

It will be developed on 1200 hectares, stretching from the Cove Rock Country Estate to Igoda River.

“It is anticipated that the proposed development will lead to significant economic growth for the city as well as associated long and short term job creation,” the council report stated.

A study by Urban-Econ Development Economists, attached to the plans, found that the trend of golf course development was moving towards the “more integrated and balanced approach of developing a golf course together with activities such as housing, accommodation, recreation and trade facilities”.

The study also indicated that potential buyers were willing to pay about R860000 per unit but recommended that the average price should fall between R600000 and R900000.

About 40% indicated a need for retirement units.

The Rock Cliff development has been divided into various phases and sub-phases. It has been recommended that council approve the development in these phases “in order to prevent leapfrogging of development which will make servicing the land difficult and result in urban sprawl”.

The project will be further broken down into 88 separate projects of which black economic empowerment companies will have a stake.

The approval of the development is, however, subject to a number of conditions as set out by council. One of these is that the developer provide a “binding, written undertaking” that affected farm workers would be compensated before plans were approved.

The report says the developer has indicated that alternative housing would be provided to affected workers.

Marleen Simmons, of Simmons & Associates Property Consultants, said although she wasn’t familiar with the Cove Rock area, “any development is good for East London”.

Tish Kondylis, of South Ocean Property Realtors, saw another benefit. “The southern part of East London has been underdeveloped for some time. It is what the city needs.” It would also boost tourism as Cove Rock had a beautiful coastline, she said.

If the development is approved, Infinite Properties will have to submit development proposals within two years and start building within five years. The approval will lapse should these time-frames not be met. The developers also have to apply to the Department of Agriculture for rezoning approval.

Source: Daily Dispatch