Below is a short summary of everything that transpired this year regarding the Doornkuil Development.
As per correspondence with Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) on 10 March 2009:
The Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment (GDACE) refused authorisation to Sugar Creek 101 Pty (Ltd), on 2 March 2009, to commence with the development of the proposed residential/mixed use development on the Remainder of Portions 1, Portion 9, Remainder of Portion 10, Portions 11 & 12 & the Remainder of Portion 18 of the Farm Doornkuil 369 IQ & Holding 22 Ironsyde Agricultural Holdings (Gaut reference number 002/07-08/0838). The correspondence also informed I&APs that the applicant (i.e. Sugar Creek 101 Pty (Ltd)) intends to appeal the abovementioned decision. A Notice of Intention to Appeal was submitted to the MEC in this regard, as per the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Act No 107 of 1998). The correspondence stated that the applicant is in process of compiling the document that will be submitted to the GDACE in support of the appeal and that this document will be made available for review by registered Interested and/or Affected Parties, once finalised.
As per correspondence with Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) on 3 April 2009:
Sugar Creek 101 Pty (Ltd) submitted an appeal to the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment (GDACE) on the refusal to grant authorisation to commence with the development of the proposed development. The correspondence indicated to I&APs where the report is available for review and to whom they should provide comments, should they wish to do so.
As per correspondence with Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) on 13 May 2009:
The MEC of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment (GDACE) has decided to uphold the appeal by Sugar Creek 101 Pty (Ltd), dated 27 March 2009, lodged in terms of Chapter 7 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2006 against GDACE’s decision to refuse authorisation for the abovementioned development, and refer the matter back to the Head of Department for reconsideration subject to:
The submission of an amended layout plan that affords all environmental sensitivities on site adequate protection.
The request for and submission of any additional information by the Department
The imposition of any additional condition the Department may deem necessary in relation to the proposed site. At this stage the revised layout plan and additional information was submitted to the GDACE and the applicant is awaiting response from the Department. All Interested and Affected Parties will be notified of that decision once it becomes available.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact:
Ansie Swanepoel
Environmental Project Manager
MSA – Environmental, Legal and Mining Services
Ansie Swanepoel
Pr.Sci.Nat.
Environmental Project Manager - MSA Environmental, Legal & Mining Services
Tel: +27 (0)12 347 5890
Fax: +27 (0)12 347 5877
Cell: +27 (0)72 347 5292
Email: ansies@msagroupservices.com
Website: www.msagroupservices.com