9. DESIREABILTY OF THE PROPOSAL

The following factors should be taken into account to substantiate the desirability of the phased development to the Greater Knysna Community and visitors to the area:

9.1 COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING REGIONAL SPATIAL POLICIES AND PRINCIPLES

9.1.1 NATIONAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVE

The NSDP proposes a number of normative principles that should guide municipal investment. These include:
· Economic growth is a prerequisite for the achievement of other policy objectives;
· Government spending on fixed investment should be focused on places of economic growth and potential. This will play a role in attracting private-sector investment, stimulating sustainable economic activities, and creating employment opportunities

The proposals contained in this document will assist the Knysna municipality to comply with the principles as set out in the National Spatial Development Perspective.

9.1.2 WESTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

The Provincial Spatial Development Framework reinforces, and is aligned with, the NSDP. Emphasis is placed on the growth potential of towns, stating that infrastructure investment must be aligned with growth potential. The proposals focus on efforts for greater resource conservation, urban restructuring and regional linkages that seek to overcome spatial inequalities created by apartheid and human resource and economic development. The proposal will strongly contribute to densification of the existing urban areas that is much more desirable than urban sprawl. It is also located well within the proposed urban edge.