After protests by Plettenberg Bay residents against plans to build an upmarket hotel complex on the town's historic Signal Hill viewsite, Heritage Western Cape has warned that it will place the site beyond the Bitou Municipality's jurisdiction if any moves are made to develop it.

In a letter to the municipality, HWC has pointed out that when the property was transferred to the Bitou council by the department of public works and land affairs in 1989, the agreement stated that the property could be used only as public open space.

The agreement also specified that if the site was no longer used or needed for that purpose, it would revert back to the state at the council's expense.

However, despite this restriction the Bitou council called for plans for an upmarket hotel on Signal Hill as part of its drive to raise funds for local economic empowerment.

The site dates back to the early 19th century when it was used as a lookout point to communicate by flags with ships in the bay.

It is in a quiet residential area and is a favourite spot for picnics and outings.

In 2002 the Bitou council decided to call for proposals for the Signal Hill site as part of a move to raise funds by developing "under-utilised" municipal assets and in April, 2003, the council accepted a project proposed by Cape Town-based Halcyon Hotels.

The consortium's plans included a 25-room "lodge" with conference facilities, a "wellness centre", and a restaurant.

Halcyon promised a minimum black empowerment involvement of 30% and permanent jobs for about 80 employees.

However, the project was opposed by the Plettenberg Bay Ratepayers' Association, and the Signal Hill Action Group was formed by local residents to fight the development.

HWC has warned the council against any future attempt to remove the restrictive title condition, saying that it will exercise its prerogative to place the site under "provincial protection" if necessary.

In a letter to the action group, HWC senior conservation officer Erin Finnegan says the HWC council "noted the aesthetic and historic value" of the site "and the importance of maintaining this green zone as 'public open space in perpetuity' for the Plettenberg Bay community, as provided for in the restrictive title condition of 1989".

Eastern Province Herald
 
Publisher: I-Net Bridge
Source: I-Net Bridge