An owl quandary
BLUE HILLS - An environmental authorisation for a proposed mixed-use development, both business and residential, was granted on holdings 25, 32, 33 and 34 in Blue Hills Agricultural Holdings a few months ago by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Residents in Blue Hills have shared their concerns and support for the development, to be known as Blue Hills Ext 74.
Chairperson of the Greater Kyalami Conservancy (Gekco) Kristin Kallesen, said Gekco was disappointed that the environmental authorisation has been granted. Gekco and residents have submitted appeals regarding the decision.
She stated, “Gekco questions why the African grass owls are not being recognised, despite the fact that they were pointed out by the consultants who conducted the environmental studies. The consultant pointed out the viability of the area for grass owls and has confirmed evidence of them, recently, in the area,” said Kallesen.
Alwina Brand, who lives close to where the development will be, said she was also disappointed by this decision. Brand revealed that she purposefully acquired the land on which the grass owls breed to secure the future of the owl as she said it is a rare privilege to be able to assist in making a contribution to the protection of endangered species and to protect them for future generations.
“It is sad that an endangered species, which has been breeding on a site adjacent to the development for more than 10 years, has to make way for yet another shopping centre and high-density development,” lamented Brand.
Other residents think the development will be good for the area.
A resident and a member of Residents Supporting Sustainable Development, Melany Cottrill said, “It is indeed sad that grass owls and biodiversity must now make way for urbanisation. However, development is inevitable. We should reasonably minimise the impact on the environment, possibly even enhancing and protecting it within developments as has already been shown to be possible,” said Cottrill.
She added that some people kill the owls, and the owls will be best protected when people in communities are educated on the importance of protecting the environment.
Perry Garlick, chairperson of the Blue Hills Ratepayers’ Association said some of the land had already been rezoned as mixed-use and was no longer just agricultural. “Land is in short supply and development will take place. The grass owls are a transient bird. One year they will be there, and the next they’ll be somewhere else. As landowners we recognise the fact that development is coming, and we are prepared to change, and adapt.”
Garlick pointed out that people end up using open land for dumping, which is more difficult to control and ends up ruining the habitat. He added that with all the foot traffic of residents of Olievenhoutbosch who pass through the targeted area, grass owls have no chance.
Another Midrand resident, Chris Symons said, “The focus should not be in trying to stop development but rather to get those that develop to put the right laws into place to rehabilitate the grounds as part of the development plan. Properly planned and executed property development does not necessarily mean environmental degradation,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the developers, Dr Gwen Theron from Leap Consultants, said a full Basic Assessment Application was conducted. “We are fully aware of the grass owls. Two studies were conducted by specialists, and land owners accompanied the specialists to where the owls were. A buffer was added to the habitat areas that were identified,” she explained.
Theron said the buffer touches the site and those areas were excluded from the development. “The grass owls are being protected; their habitat will be protected,” Theron emphasised.
Ward 112 councillor, Candice James, is investigating the water supply line for the development. More information will be published when it becomes available.
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