Maitland residents oppose controversial flat development approved by Mayor Hill-Lewis

Residents of Maitland, with the support of their ward councillor, have raised their voices in opposition against a controversial decision made by City Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis to approve a block of flats set to be built on a parking area, encroaching on the privacy of nearby homes. 

The Maitland Ratepayers Association said they are dissatisfied with the decision by Hill-Lewis to back the approval of four additional flats along 64A Royal Road, which belongs to Sanctuary Property Collection, Raadi’s Sanctuary.

The Cape Argus has since reached out to Raadi’s Sanctuary for comment and is awaiting their response.

The complex owners also have another block of flats in the same road.

The ratepayers association said they drafted several objections against the additional development, but it was ignored.

“We, the residents of Maitland and the MRRA (Maitland Residents and Ratepayers Association), strongly reject the justification given by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis in overturning our community’s approved objection to the development at 64A Royal Road,” the ratepayers association said in a statement.

“The mayor claims the development is 'in line with the City’s residential densification policy'.

“But we ask: Does this policy apply equally across all suburbs including affluent areas — or is it only enforced in so-called 'coloured areas' like Maitland?

“Because what we are witnessing here is not fairness or balance, but rather another example of lower-income and working-class neighbourhoods being dumped on, while more privileged suburbs remain protected from intrusive overdevelopment.

“Yes, we understand the City has densification goals. But those goals must be implemented fairly, transparently, and with full respect for existing residents. 

“In Maitland, this development builds right up to three neighbours’ boundaries, removes any sense of privacy for adjacent homes, creates parking chaos and sidewalk obstructions, and now, worsens congestion with no plan for relief.

“We call for a review of this decision and fair treatment for all Cape Town communities — not just those with money and influence.

“Maitland is not a dumping ground for unchecked densification. We demand the same level of consideration and protection as any other community in Cape Town.

“Policies mean nothing if they are applied selectively. The people of Maitland will not stay silent while our neighbourhood is reshaped without our consent."

Ward councillor, Cheslyn Steenberg, said he supported the ratepayers association and would be backing a review.

“I am really concerned with the fact that the City is approving such developments, many of our communities such as Maitland’s, the water and sanitation services and electricity are in need of basic services and this is a concern.

“The exact block of flats, where it is located, just a few roads away there is continuous raw sewage spillage and this is concerning and not forgetting the issue of water pressure.

“This is going to add to the burdens of our people.

“They need to relook on how they approve these developments."

The City said in their response that the ratepayers' voices were taken into consideration but the application was assessed and approved.

“The final decision to approve the application was made on May 26, 2025,” the City said.

“The proposal entails the addition of four flats to the existing six-unit block of flats.

 “The application was assessed in terms of the Municipal Planning By-Law and relevant City policies and was accordingly approved.”

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