The public will have even less muscle to fight cellphone towers if the City goes ahead with proposed changes to its planning by-law, which it outlined for the public in Parow at the weekend.
That’s the word from Derek Main, of the National Alliance Against Cell Masts (NAAC).
He says the proposed amendments must be opposed until there is more clarity on possible health risks.
One civic leader at the information session, Milnerton Central Residents’ Association vice-chairman Bouwe van der Eems, called the public participation process surrounding the proposed amendments a “sham” and said it was “rigged” to comply with basic legal requirements so the new by-law could be “rubber stamped”.
The session at the Parow sub-council offices was the last of several held across the City during the month the public had to comment on the amendments to the Municipal Planning By-law.
Mayco member for spatial planning and environment Marian Nieuwoudt said property owners should heed the proposed amendments – which were submitted to Cape Town’s 24 sub-councils on March 1 – as they could impact property rights, future developments and land uses.
Other notable amendments make it easier for the City to offer emergency housing on land not zoned for it; homeowners to build third dwellings without needing permission from the City, and short-term letting from flats.