Millview development sparks community outrage

Milnerton residents are outraged that the Millview development on Erf 38599 in Table View is proceeding despite widespread opposition, citing increased traffic, environmental risks, and strained services. They claimed the project would contribute R5.9 million in development fees.

According to the City, the development consists of 377 flats not exceeding 100m², nine (9) group houses and 16 Single Residential 1 erven, spanning over nearly four years ago’s approval. Community group CAPE of GOOD HOPE NPC spokesperson Des Palm accused the City of Cape Town of ignoring formal petitions and objections.

Residents also noted that units are being marketed and sold (starting at R1,950,000) for the 377-flat, 9-group house, and 16-single residential unit project, yet they are unaware of approved building plans. City of Cape Town Spokesperson, Luthando Tyhalibongo, confirmed the rezoning and subdivision was approved by the Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT) on 5 July 2022, following two rounds of public participation and 153 objections.

“The application relates to the approved rezoning and subdivision of Erf 38599 in Canary Crescent, Milnerton,” he explained. “This development consists of 377 flats not exceeding 100m², nine (9) group houses and 16 Single Residential 1 erven. The development application was approved by the Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT) on July 5, 2022. There were two rounds of public participation during July 2020 and August 2020. A total of 153 objections were received.” Tyhalibongo added that both the applicant and the objectors were granted the opportunity to address the MPT on July 5, 2022. The application was approved by the MPT on the same date.

“This decision was subsequently appealed by the objectors. This appeal was dismissed and the MPT’s decision was affirmed by the Appeal Authority and in terms of the City’s Municipal Planning By-law on May 8, 2023,” he cited. “The building plans for the approved land use application (as above) have not been submitted to the City as yet for assessment.”

Previously, the Cape Argus sister newspaper, the Weekend Argus reported that the MPT approved the high-value housing project despite 384 objections from the Greater Table View Action Forum (GTAF), which also lodged an appeal. Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews at the time confirmed the MPT considered objections before approval, and the Executive Mayor dismissed the appeal.

The development includes a necessary alternative sewer package plant due to the Potsdam Waste Water Treatment Works' current capacity. The GTAF argued the public participation and appeals process was unfair, claiming local objections were ignored and procedures were violated.

On behalf of residents, Palm argued that they were unhappy that the development was proceeding despite their protests about traffic and congestion concerns: “Residents of Milnerton are outraged as the proposed development on Erf 38599, located at the corner of Circle Road and Eagle Crescent in Table View, moves forward despite widespread opposition and formal petitions submitted to the City of Cape Town.

“The project, which would contribute R5.9 million in development fees, appears to be proceeding without meaningful consultation with the affected community. Local residents say their concerns - including increased traffic, environmental risks, and pressure on already strained local services - have been dismissed.

"We have signed petitions, submitted objections, and spoken up at every opportunity, yet the City continues as if we don't exist. This is a blatant disregard for community voices," said Palm. “As far as residents are aware, there are no approved building plans on record for this development, yet a sign on the site indicates that units are now for sale from R1,950,000 in a development called Millview. The community is calling on the City of Cape Town to confirm whether approved plans exist on record before any further marketing or sales activity takes place.

“The R5.9 million development contribution is intended to support city infrastructure, but residents argue that no amount of money can compensate for the social and environmental impacts that have been overlooked.” Palm said the community is calling on the City of Cape Town to:

• Immediately halt approvals for Erf 38599 until proper public consultation is conducted;
• Fully review the development's impact on the neighbourhood;
• Confirm whether approved building plans exist on record;
• Respect the democratic right of residents to have their concerns heard and addressed.

"This is about more than just one development," said Palm. "It's about accountability, transparency, and ensuring that residents are not ignored in decisions that affect their lives and neighbourhoods."

Cape Argus has since reached out to the developers for comment and await their response.

Via their Facebook page titled: MillView Cape Town they wrote: “After 8 years of thorough planning and numerous appeals, we’re thrilled to announce that Millview has finally been approved and given the green light to proceed.

“Despite attempts from certain individuals who have opposed the development for eight years, we’d like to clarify the following points: The City Council has officially approved the development."

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