Judy Bell of the Winterskloof Conservancy has shared that a Directive from the Planning and Development Act (PDA) Appeals Tribunal that has been set up for the Hilton-Mondi development.
Judy says, 'This is for the rezoning of Mondi land to offices, office parks, regional shopping centre (the size of the original Liberty Mall) and gated housing complex. It will involve the felling of the Mondi Plantations, construction of more offices and removal of our open spaces, destroying our current peri-urban sense of place. We should have a say in how WE want our village to develop, not have it imposed by outsiders who do not have our interests at heart. Apparently this will generate lots of jobs, but it is more likely to develop lots of debt and change the face of Hilton forever.'
Important dates:
1. On Tuesday the 15th January 2013 at 10h00 parties will assemble at the Hilton Hotel car park prior to the site inspection to finalise the route. The municipality will lead the inspection pointing out relevant locations and which shall include relevant locations requested by other parties to the appeal.
2. The appeals shall be heard over a period of 2 days. The hearing dates are 31 JANUARY 2013 and 1 FEBRUARY 2013 at 9h00 in PIETERMARITZBURG. The Office of the Registrar shall inform the parties at least 14 days prior to the hearing date of the venue for the hearing.
For more information contact Judy on 033 343 4752.