Minister Meyer's Tribunal rules in favour of Bo-Kaap
It is what can be described as a victory for the residents of Bo-Kaap, an Independent Appeals Tribunal appointed by Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer upheld the decision not to grant a demolition order to Aikman Associates representing developer, Finishing Touch which would have resulted in the demolition of property situated on Erf 4150, Cape Town.
Earlier the Appeals Committee had expressed the view that demolition of the buildings on Erf 4150 which is situated at 248 Buitengracht Avenue, Cape Town would destroy the aesthetic and architectural coherence of the streetscape created by the dwellings in the block.
This view was supported by the Appeals Tribunal who expressed the opinion that the demolition of the main dwelling on the property and the consequent destruction of the streetscape created by the block would irreversibly damage the built environment of the Bo-Kaap and the sense of place in the area known as Bo-Kaap.
For the people of the Bo-Kaap, the decision represents a clear signal that the authorities were serious about protecting the rich heritage of the area.
Media enquiries:
Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson to Minister Ivan Meyer
Tel: 021 483 3261
Cell: 079 990 4231
E-mail: daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za
