Western Cape lapsed use rights for landowners finally reinstated

The process to reinstate the lapsed use rights of landowners in the province under the Western Cape Land Use Planning Ordinance [15 of 1985, Section 14(2)] has been completed.

Premier Lynne Brown has assented to it and the Land Use Planning Ordinance Amendment Act was published in the Provincial Gazette on 3 March 2009. The act restores the lapsed rights, and extends it to 30 June 2011.

With this Premier Brown and Minister Uys has made good on their undertaking to the industry late in January to restore these rights.

The Ordinance regulates land use planning in the province.

This was to be extended with a further six months, but lapsed due to an unintended action due to a late signing.

The local authorities and the industry were not aware of the lapsing of the use rights, and applications of various types have been submitted for consideration, and in some instances considered, as if the time period prescribed in Section 14(2) had not lapsed.

"The reinstatement brings back certainty, stability and clear direction for local government and the industry," says provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Pierre Uys.


Enquiries:
Cobus Grobler (media officer) 073 133 7299
Minister Uys 082 4555 144