Due to the extraordinary circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide 21-day lockdown period, Minister Anton Bredell (Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning) has, in terms of Section 47C of NEMA, extended all timeframes regarding NEMA and EIA regulations, for actions and processes affected by the 21-day lockdown period, by two months effective from 27 March 2020 to 26 May 2020.
The full circular in this regard as issued by Minister Bredell, can be accessed here.
The full protocol for the administration of EIA, AEL, WML and Section 24G applications and related formal enquiries/requests in the Western Cape during the 21-day lockdown can be accessed here.
In addition, Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt, has released a statement confirming that the City’s Development Management Department will be assessing applications and writing reports from home during the three-week COVID-19 lockdown, but that resources are limited and unforeseen challenges may have an impact on turnaround.
All building plans, and development and land use applications should continue to be submitted via the City’s e-Services platform. It was also noted that the Municipal Planning Tribunal will not be able to meet during this time and therefore, no decisions will be made by the MPT until the lockdown is over.
The full statement in this regard as issued by Alderman Nieuwoudt, can be accessed here.
The WCPDF will continue to keep members informed of any relevant industry news during the lockdown.