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A Selection of Some Problem Properties

Derelict Properties & Illegal Building Work - Now Being Corrected

 

There is a broad trend in De Rust for owners not to apply for  planning permission from either the Oudtshoorn Municipality or De Rust Heritage. This goes back over a period of years and there is now a concerted effort by both De Rust Heritage and the Oudtshoorn Municipality to rectify this situation. We will report on the action taken at the end of March, 2019 and are compiling a list of outstanding issues receiving attention on a monthly basis.  Some older as well as recent examples are shown below:  

 

 De Rust Heritage Conservation Association 

HWC Reg. HWC/RCB/01/08 


 

Erf 32, Schoeman Street, De Rust 

Derelict Cottage & Unpaid Municipal Account 

The old cottage shown below is not only in a very dilapidated state as well as the owner owing R 150k to the Oudtshoorn Municipality going back to 2014. The property is a health hazard as well as being in the process of collapsing – the front stoep is currently in a very bad state and the roof is falling in. 

 


 

We are informed that the Oudtshoorn Municipality are currently finalising the tender for a panel of legal advisors who will be tasked with following through on this and other similar cases requiring legal recourse. This is a long outstanding, urgent matter and needs to be brought to a firm conclusion as it is a eyesore in the main thoroughfare of De Rust on the N12 National Route from George and Oudtshoorn to Beaufort West. 

 

News Update - April, 2019:  This property has recently been sold and the new owners are currently in the process of having plans drawn in order to obtain permission for renovations and/or additions from the Joint Heritage Permit Committee of the Oudtshoorn Municipality as well as Heritage Western Cape.  

 

Box 45, De Rust.6650 Mobile: 082 777 1519 

e-mail: rickety@iafrica.com Website: www.derustheritage.org.za 

 

 

De Rust Heritage Conservation Association

HWC Reg. HWC/RCB/01/08

 

 

 

Erf 178, Hoop Street, De Rust

Illegal Alterations to Heritage Property – August, 2018

 

This property was recently purchased by a retired builder from George in the Southern Cape. Soon after their arrival the owner asked De Rust Heritage to explain what they could and could not do in terms of renovations/extensions. It was explained to them they needed to have plans drawn as the majority of properties in De Rust do not have plans. It was also explained that any alterations/additions needed to be recorded on a before and after plan.

 

 

 

However, following my visit they commenced various alterations/additions without the required plans and Permit from both Oudtshoorn Municipality and HWC.  They have subsequently built in the front stoep as well as other changes. Urgent action needs now to be taken by the Oudtshoorn Municipality.

 

News Update - April, 2019: Plans are currently being prepared for submission to the Joint Heritage Permit Committee and the Oudtshoorn Municipality as well as Heritage Western Cape.  

  

Box 45, De Rust.6650    Mobile: 082 777 1519

e-mail: rickety@iafrica.com  Website: www.derustheritage.org.za   

 

 

 De Rust Heritage Conservation Association

HWC Reg. HWC/RCB/01/08

 

 

 

Erf 186/606 Hoop Street De Rust

Illegal Building Activity – August, 2018

 

The picture below indicates illegal building activity on a “Heritage” property at the above address. This property extends over two stands – Erf 186 being the one in the picture with Erf 606 being the adjoining stand where other building work is also taking place.  It would appear that the new building construction on Erf 606 has approved plans - this needs to be confirmed with the Oudtshoorn Municipality. In addition, illegal extensions to a heritage building at the rear of the property are also a problem. 

 

 

As all alterations to properties older than 60 years old require approved plans and a Permit from both the Joint Permit Committee and HWC it would be appreciated if the Oudtshoorn Municipality would ensure that the owner complies immediately and obtains the necessary permission in order to proceed.

  

Box 45, De Rust.6650    Mobile: 082 777 1519 

e-mail: rickety@iafrica.com  Website: www.derustheritage.org.za  

 

 

De Rust Heritage Conservation Association

HWC Reg. HWC/RCB/01/08

 

 

Erf 63 Schoeman Street, De Rust

Illegal Structure (Metal Gate) 

 

See pictures below of the property situated on Erf 63, Schoeman Street in De Rust. The property was built in 1903 and is a Heritage Home of 115 years old. 

 

 

 

Please note solid metal gate (bottom left on both pictures) which is also over 2.0 m high. I also doubt whether any plans were submitted to the Oudtshoorn Municipality – certainly no plans were submitted to the Joint Permit Committee comprising Heritage Oudtshoorn Erfenis and De Rust Heritage.  

 

NOTE: In order to preserve the unique village environment it is essential that property owners first consult with the De Rust Heritage Conservation Association as well as the Joint Permit Committee prior to planning any alterations or additions.  ALL ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO HERITAGE PROPERTIES MUST BE DISCUSSED WITH BOTH BODIES PRIOR TO COMMENCING.  IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE NOT TO DO SO.  

 

Updated April, 2019

 

Box 45, De Rust.6650    Mobile: 082 777 1519

e-mail: rickety@iafrica.com  Website: www.derustheritage.org.za