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The Maitland Residents and Ratepayers’ Association says while it welcomes the local spatial development framework (LSDF) for the area, it wants to see more emphasis on youth development and seniors’ programmes.
The plan was approved by the City of Cape Town Council last week.
The framework determines the development vision for Maitland on an area level.
In the future, the City will use the LSDF for guidance when making decisions about development applications and land uses; and in the end, these decisions will determine what Maitland will look and feel like in years to come.
Leigh Anderson, MRRA public relations officer, says: “We would like to see more focus on youth development, and programmes as well as activities that are more inclusive of community members that are of pensionable age.”
Eddie Andrews, deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, says the LSDF was drafted in partnership with the community and local business owners.
He explains that interested parties had the opportunity to give their input during the public meetings held since last year.
“We started with the drafting process in March last year and relied on the opportunities and constraints to guide us, among which a growing population and density and the pressure this puts on aging services infrastructure; the lack of high-quality open spaces; and localised flooding caused by the Black River.”
Anderson says they are satisfied with the public engagement processes. “There were three public engagement meetings and the objective we drove was to have as much public participation as possible, we are proud that this was achieved.”
Andrews says the area is strategically located within the Urban Inner Core which the City has prioritised for investment.
“Maitland has a lot going for it, its unique location means it is easily accessible from Kensington, Ndabeni and Paarden Island; is in close proximity to the Cape Town CBD and Bellville CBD’s labour markets; has multiple public transit modes; and zonings that allow for industrial, community, mixed-use and medium-high density residential uses.”
Anderson adds: “We are optimistic about the plan, but moreover, the opportunity for residents to be part of the process in realising the potential of Maitland.” She encourages residents to take an interest.
“Communities that use their voices can achieve great things and we continue to advocate for and encourage our community to engage as much as they can in processes that impact the area they call home.”
Andrews adds that they are aware of the challenges in the area and these are being prioritised.
“On the other hand, we are experiencing the impact of passenger rail decline, continuous load-shedding and ageing infrastructure on Maitland. There are also constraints that are limiting the area’s potential, the Black River flood line, and barriers such as the river, the M5 freeway, and rail infrastructure.
“As such, the City will use the LSDF as a policy instrument to guide public and private investment to build on Maitland’s potential and mitigate the impact of the constraints,” he concludes.
To view the LSDF for Maitland visit the city's website.
