24/09/2026
Betty’s Bay Ratepayers Association responds to Harcourts questions regarding Erf 4030.
Date: 21.09.2026
Lease Agreement : ERF 4030 Betty’s Bay : Information
On behalf of the BBRA Exco & myself, Elsa Stofberg, as part of my Portfolio: Conservation & Leased
Land, please refer to the information below regarding Erf 4030 and the current status of the project.
1. The initial development proposal and Lease Application were submitted in 2023/24 by the BBRA.
There were also other applicants who submitted alternative proposals. There were certain criteria
that had to be met and procedures to follow. The BBRA were successful in obtaining the lease of
Erf 4030.
2. The Lease Agreement was signed by the Parties on 16th of December 2025 for a period of 9 years
and 11 months, which commenced on 1st of October 2025.
3. The Lease Agreement and the proposed development of Erf 4030 must adhere to the development controls applicable to the current zoning of the Erf being “Open Space Zone 2: Public Open Space”.
4. As part of the Lease Agreement a Spatial Development Plan (SDP) must be submitted to OM for approval. Before the draft SDP was submitted, an informal meeting between BBRA & OM
(Property Management and Town-planning) was held, where the BBRA was advised on certain
issues in line with the Lease Agreement and the current zoning of the Erf.
5. The SDP was recently submitted to the OM to scrutinize and provide input/comment.
6. Comment/input was received on the 3rd of September 2026 from OM confirming that the SDP has been approved in principle provided that certain criteria are met, i.e.
• NEMA Applicability: A NEMA Applicability Assessment/Checklist must be done to
confirm whether any component of the proposed development constitutes a listed activity
in terms of Listing Notices 1, 2 or 3 of the EIA Regulations, and whether Environmental
Authorizations is required. The DFFE National Web-Based Environmental Screening Tool
report must be considered as part of this assessment. Where the assessment confirms
that no listed activities are triggered, the findings must be documented and be kept on
record.
• Biodiversity management: Erf 4030 contains critically endangered Hangklip Sand
Fynbos and therefore has significant biodiversity value. The site must be managed
accordingly and the following will have to be addressed:
o alien invasive vegetation management,
o maintenance of facilities, and
o measures to ensure that the approved development footprint does not
deviate from the original footprint or expand over time.
7. Subject to the above issues being addressed, the proposed recreational development has the
potential to provide positive social and community benefits. The Environmental Management
Overlay Zone (EMOZ) classification for Erf 4030 is Urban Conservation Category C, with the purpose
to protect and manage undeveloped conservation-worthy public owned land within the Overstrand's
urban edge, and adjacent buffer areas, while promoting the retention of viable priority ecological
corridors in areas that are to be developed and to ensure an integrated ‘conservation and
development’ approach that will enhance living conditions for the communities of the Overstrand.
The Operational Management Plan for Category C properties within the Urban Conservation EMOZ should address, inter alia, the following:
• Alien invasive vegetation (IAV) management;
• Fire management;
• Vegetation management;
• Hiking and biking trails;
• Bird watching and bird hides;
• Public amenities;
• Environmental facilities;
• Day camps;
• Braai and picnic facilities; and
• Play parks.
8. The proposed recreational use of Erf 4030 will, therefore, be consistent with the intent of the Urban
Conservation Category C designation, provided that the development remains within the approved
footprint and that the presence of critically endangered Hangklip Sand Fynbos is recognized and managed through the required environmental and maintenance measures.
9. To ensure that Erf 4030 BB is disturbed as little as possible, the proposed development will fall under
300m² in total:
The current disturbed main footpath connecting Diastella road with Crassula Gardens & Hall
will be used as part of a gravel walkway.
Demarcation of parking bays will only be in the already disturbed areas on property.
The Play Park to be created for children will be a small naturally based set-up to form part of
the natural surroundings.
10. We are now at the stage where an Environmental Consultant (EAAP Status) needs to be
appointed to achieve the necessary assessments. This is currently in process.
11. Moving forward we will gladly share information as and when it becomes available and
official.
Comments and questions can be directed to the BBRA email: [email protected]
