What will happen to Boskruin koppies?
BOSKRUIN – Residents of the complex Courtney Place are fuming about the possibility of a new complex next to the Boskruin Nature Reserve koppies that will possibly disrupt nature.
Residents of Courtney Place in Panther Road are furious after they were informed that a new complex will be built right next to the Boskruin Nature Reserve Koppies.
Land developer Braam van Wyk said he is aware of the fact that the top of the Koppies is a registered nature reserve, but he is planning to build a new complex at the bottom of the koppies.
Paul Karnstedt, a homeowner and member of the body corporate at Courtney Place, said residents are fuming as they feel the wild life and plant life on the koppies will be disrupted during the course of this project.
“The problem is that if this complex is built, they will have to blast some parts of the koppies’ rocks away which will definitely disrupt nature,” said Karnstedt.
He added that the problem is not just about disrupting nature but also that, as home owners, they will no longer have a view of the koppies but rather look into the verandas of the new complex’s houses.
Van Wyk explained that the plan with the project is not to disrupt nature but rather to include it in the complex.
“We want the wild life and plants to remain in the area. We will not chop off old trees, put up electric fences that could harm the animals or clear bush away that is unnecessary. We want the animals to walk freely in the complex,” explained Van Wyk.
He also said his plan is to put up only 36 units even though there is enough space for 70 units.
“I dropped the density as my plan is not to simply squash people into an open space. I want this complex to be open and make the residents feel they are in the bush even though they are living in the city,” said Van Wyk.
The developer further added that the project will start mid-2017 and should be completed by May 2018.
Ward 101 Councillor Ralf Bittkau said he is concerned about this project as there is doubt that it will allegedly affect the nature reserve in a negative way.
“The problem is not only nature but also the residents’ privacy,” concluded Bittkau.
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