News


Room with a view? Residents often react very aggressively when their views are in danger of being affected by a neighbour, building a dwelling or enlarging a structure. Various cases have reached the courts, particularly in the more affluent suburbs along the coast. But is it justified or constitutional to prevent your neighbour exercising his lawful rights, just based on a view? Read more
Constitutional court rules on development facilitation act We have earlier reported on the woes of the Development Facilitation Act (Act 67 of 1995) (DFA) as planning tool, following decisions by the High Court and Supreme Court of Appeal. We have also reported that the decision of the latter court was referred to the Constitutional Court for ratification, since the constitutionality of an Act of Parliament could not be determined by a lesser court. Earlier this year the matter was heard by the highest court, but judgment was deferred. Read more
Tshwane Municipality clamps down on illegal land use The City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality made headlines in August 2009, when a Faerie Glen home was demolished, following a court interdict. The city council claimed that it was built according to fraudulent building plans. Following the incident, various property owners contacted CityScope Town Planners for advice regarding illegal land use. These enquiries resulted from either legal action against land owners or an additional and inflated property taxation billed as “Illegal Use of Property” by the council. Read more
Project wins award CityScope town planners is proud to be associated with the prestigious O R Tambo Office Campus, the new headquarters of the Department of International Relations & Cooperation in Soutpansberg Road, Pretoria. This project has recently won the overall award for “Innovative Excellence in Property Development” from The SA Property Owners Association (SAPOA). Read more
Uncertainty on future of DFA Since 1995 with its inception, the Development Facilitation Act (DFA) has become an important mechanism in the hands of Planners and the wider development community. Due to its peculiar procedures it was a major departure from the procedures of the different provincial Ordinances. Particularly the streamlined processes and set milestones made it a favourite amongst developers and consultants alike, in view of potentially quicker decisions. Read more