3.3 HEIGHT RESTRICTION (CMAI DRAFT DOCUMENT)

The private properties in this area are for the most part zoned “Industrial”. According to the Knysna Zoning Scheme parameters, industrial buildings may have a height of 16m. At the same time, the site is also situated in an area where the “Conservation Area Guide Lines” apply. A height limitation of 10m is recommended for the conservation area. It should however be kept in mind that these guidelines only represent broad principles and should not be regarded as regulations but rather as a checklist when considering a particular building operation. Furthermore, the Aesthetic Committee can recommend the amendment or extension of these guidelines on a continuous basis or it can be amended by the Council on its own initiative. We believe that this unique area of town creates an ideal opportunity to achieve the recommended densification of the central town area without threatening to compromise the traditional “Village” Character of Knysna CBD based on the following reasons:

1. The current land use and zoning allows for high intensity land use that in general is not environmentally friendly or aesthetically pleasing and is currently not contributing to the ambiance of the area or Knysna in general;

2. The area is effectively isolated from the rest of the CBD (Central Business District) area by
Waterfront Drive;

3. The area does not contain any historical buildings.

4. It is proposed in the CMAI Document that 3-4-storey options be adopted for this area. In order to maintain a human scale it is proposed that individual buildings be articulated by the introduction of height and storey variation and lateral setbacks.

These valuable waterfront properties require a certain economy of scale to ensure an end product that is acceptable to the South African free market. Four Storey heights are generally required to ensure sustainable development in this prime waterfront location.

Four storeys will also create more floor area which will in turn generate the required capital to ensure delivery of the substantial infrastructure proposed for the benefit and enjoyment of all the people of Knysna. The spill over effects of redevelopment of the private properties will also result in enhancement of the value of the adjacent public land.