Swakop bans high-rise buildings• Controversial urban planning concept repealed Thanks to the town council repealing a controversial urban planning concept, the future of an envisaged high-rise building at the Mole hangs in the balance. ERWIN LEUSCHNERSWAKOPMUND
A controversial town planning scheme (Scheme 61) was repealed by the Swakopmund town council during its meeting on Thursday.
“It will not be implemented and will be put on hold until all issues have been resolved in a satisfactory manner,” according to a draft resolution.
The decision was passed unanimously.
The urban planning scheme was originally approved by the Council in 2016 and confirmed in the Government Gazette in November 2017, although the Swakopmund Residents Association (SRA) had objected to it. The concept includes the height, volume and density restrictions in the urban area.
Since then, volume restrictions have been completely abolished, while the permissible construction height for the development of many land uses has been changed from 8, 10 and 13 metres to 40 metres, which is equal to between 12 and 13 storeys.
The SRA had objected to the concept, since the construction of high-rise buildings in the historic town centre has since been permitted, which could negatively affect “the flair of the town” and make Swakopmund less attractive.
The council was also criticised for not asking residents their opinion.
Infrastructure
Moreover, Swakopmund does not have the necessary infrastructure, including sewerage and adequate water pressure, to enable the construction of high-rise buildings.
Although the concept has been in place for more than three years, no high-rise has been built yet.
The first Swakopmund building, which was originally supposed to be over 40 metres tall, is the planned development on the site of the former Swakopmund indoor swimming pool at the Mole (Erf 4747).
The latest design of the development, previously known as Sur la Plage, includes a building that towers 30 metres. This design will probably no longer be allowed to be implemented.
Railway
Along with the drastic decision, the council also ordered a meeting with the ministry of works and transport to “discuss the relocation of the railway line and other matters”.
The draft resolution states that “all matters” already enjoy the attention of the responsible institutions.
“Problems with urban planning concepts can have legal consequences. If the council wishes to comment on this, it is suggested that it be made by the council's legal team,” it said.