PROTECT DURBANVILLE RACECOURSE OPEN SPACEAND OPPOSE THE CURRENT DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION

Comments

#2

I believe in protecting heritage and the social fabric that the Durbanville spatial plan represents.

Richard Downing (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#4

I want to protect the heritage of Durbanville.

Jaco Wehmeyer (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#6

Fully agree,we need to protect certain open spaces of which this specific open space at Durbanville Racecourse is part off.

Stephan Olivier (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#7

Infrastructure and quality of life need to be considered before embarking on this size development.

Melanie Corrigall (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#9

Resident of Durbanville. Do not want to see this property spoilt.
Last open space in area.

Emile Greybe (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#18

It is of great concern to me, and many other residents, that the growing number of residential developments being approved and constructed in the Durbanville central area is beginning to place significant strain on the town and its infrastructure.

Durbanville has long been valued for its community character, manageable traffic levels, and balanced development. However, the pace and scale of new residential projects in and around the central area are starting to change the nature of the town in ways that raise serious concerns for residents.

We are already experiencing significantly increased traffic volumes, particularly during peak hours on key routes into and out of the town. St Johns Road is already a nightmare during peak hours. Roads that were not designed to accommodate such high-density development are becoming congested, resulting in longer commute times, increased safety risks, and growing frustration for residents and businesses alike.

Beyond traffic congestion, the rapid increase in housing density raises broader concerns regarding infrastructure capacity.

There is also concern that the unique character and liveability of Durbanville—a key reason many residents chose to live here—is gradually being eroded. Responsible development is necessary and expected in a growing city, but it must be balanced with thoughtful urban planning that protects community well being, environmental sustainability, and quality of life.

Noleen Hepburn (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#24

I have lived in Durbanville for 25 years and love the open space and green areas and feel that this development would destroy all the advantages and negate all reasons that I bought in this area and increase traffic and noise. We need to keep the open areas, the character and the spaciousness of Durbanville and not allow ourselves to become like the southern suburbs where they dont have any space and everyone lives on top of each other.

Ingrid Webster (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#25

I live in Basson Street, we are experiencing high volumes of traffic daily with all the new developments in the area, we cannot afford more developments around us.

There is already not enough schools to accommodate the people already living in the area, the roads are full of potholes due to more cars in the area and road maintenance not been done.

Business creep should not be allowed in residential areas, we are being forced to deal with constant trucks and noise pollution amongst traffic pollution daily due to the developments around us,.we.do not have the capacity to endure any more developments in our area. Our roads have become a logistical nightmare

Andrea Van Wyk (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#29

I am signing this petition because the additional load on existing infrastructure will be too much. The closure of Vissershok access to the N7 and the opening of the Jip de Jager extension has already seen the traffic volume on Racecourse and St John Road increase to more than triple what it was before. Noise levels have increased substantially. Increased traffic has brought increased taxi activity and the associated foot traffic and litter.

Kim Heptinstall (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#35

I live in Auroa - Odendaal street. It is already being used as an alternative racecourse to skip some traffic congestion. Also the very long Odendaal Road should get raised Stop streets : both to solve current racing & skipping of stop signs and to prevent it from getting worse once development is done.
Check the Neighbourhood Watch cameras to confirm this traffic lawlessness taking place daily - especially during school terms and during the night as well.
Further development without first attending to current infrastructure is not wize.

Petra Botha (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#36

I have lived in my house next to the racecourse for 51 years and firmly believe it should remain an open space for everybody to enjoy. We cannot have more traffic. The schools are full

Georina Westraadt (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#37

Honestly voetsek with all of these new developments. I know we need more houses, don't come build it on a nice open space because you know you can sell it for a ton of money. How much money is the opportunity for our kids to touch grass and play worth? This is not the way.

Josephus van der Vyver (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#38

This is important to me

Mart Louw (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#42

I am against this idea
It will destroy a very important aspect of Durbanville and it's character

Belinda Da Fonseca (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#46

The reason for my signiture is so all infra structures for this development is first investigated before an Approval is given.

Divine Williams (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#47

Not against development but the scale of this develoment and the impact on those of us that live next to it.

Johan Matthee (Durbanville, Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#49

The proposal is not up to date..
Infrastructure needs to be upgraded firstly

Derek Kiely (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#51

I do not want houses to be built at the racecourse. This will cause traffic congestion as well as take away from the beauty of the area.

Karen Bouwer (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#54

I’m signing this petition to stop the development of this site due to the fact that this unscrupulous way of urbanisation does not take into account that the infrastructure of Durbanville cannot handle the influx of sewage (we already have regular, repeated burst pipes that do not get fixed properly), cannot handle the influx of traffic - Durbanville is nearly gridlocked in the mornings and afternoons, AND there is already another development being planned not even 1/2 km further down the road with over 2000 units. The destruction of natural habitat of the wild and birdlife in the area has already been drastically affected and not maintained by the municipality/parks properly - just look at the Vlei stream that apparently is fed from the nature reserve on the Racecourse - smells like sewage and invasive plants have been allowed to take over. I understand that development needs to take place but not at my expense and developers and municipality’s greed. I moved from the big city to get away from traffic jams and major congestion for a better lifestyle and now I can barely get out of my driveway now at peak times.

Petra Demmer (Durbanville, South Africa, 2026-03-10)

#55

I don't want the race course to be built on. Leave the race course open

Juno Correia (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#57

We do not want all our green spaces build up

Tracey Jooste (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#58

I am completely against the proposed Race Course Development.

Claudia Jones (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#59

Durbanville area structure is already under strain with inadequate infrastructure,. Adding more residential properties and more people doesnt make sense until the current issues are solved.

TRACY BEKKER (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#60

Inadequate and overloading of essential infrastructures. Eg Water plus sewerage, roads, schooling, medical facilities.
Loss of essential open space in urban environment.

Ronelle Smith (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#64

I live in the area and we are already struggling with traffic

Samantha Brown (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#66

Blatant greed!
Durbanville needs open spaces, sporting venue, schools, clinics and more police.
The corridor along racecourse road is marked for development at Bloemdal and Altydgedacht, 1000’s of additional units and more shopping centres, none of the above really necessary especially the shops. The roads around this area will simply not be able to handle all the additional traffic as they are already under strain, let alone water and sewage.

Cynthia Russell (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#67

The infrastructure is already under strain and additional strain needs to be properly investigated and planned

Brandon Brink (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#69

I don’t want the race course to be developed. I would like it to stay so that events can be hosted there and we can maintain the beautiful area. If you develop the infrastructure and resources like water and sewerage will not handle the extra volume of people. Traffic is already bad without extra cars.

Tamlyn Norcott (Durbanville, Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#71

The traffic in Bowlers Ave will be overloaded .
Alternative routes must be made i.e. an extension of Tindale Road

Nigel Amschwand (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#72

I am not in favor of the development

Jacobus Brundyn (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#73

Durbanville is becoming overpopulated, no government schools no water no nee roads

Jacques Engelbrecht (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#74

I am totally against this proposed development as it will negatively impact our area. The Racecourse is a heritage site and Bowlers Avenue is a quiet street serving 4 complexes and a church and the Durbanville Bowling Club. We have more than sufficient shopping centres in the area. Over the years that I have lived in this area I have seen the gradual destruction of the rural nature of Durbanville. I would like to encourage the preservation rather than the destruction of our area.

Barbara Everingham (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#80

Durbanville infrastructure is overstreched already. All schools are oversubcribed. City of Cape Town is in a permanent water crisis. Together with Altydgedacht and Bloemendal there is a complete ignorance of history which Cape Town and Sa Tourism is using a way to attract capital in the form of foreign tourism. Together with other proposed developments in the area, it relates to on average 2000 more vehicles per day and 2000 children to be placed in schools. Not to mentioned a taxi rank already bursting out of its seems, which will be overused as hired help will be shuttled into the area-more vehicles.
Stop developing and rather upgrade with better stabling, livery and redevelopment of the polo club and general servicing of what the second oldest racecourse in SA can be.

Wanda Cronje (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#81

I live closeby the race course. In several ways the character of our neighbourhood, which is one of the huge attractions to this neighbourhood, wil be permanently destroyed and with that the value of my property. We do not need this development!

Jan Burger (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#82

I want the village character of my investment of 4 decades plus in Durbanville to be preserved.

Karl Nepgen (DURBANVILLE, 2026-03-10)

#83

It is crazy to try and cram more people into this area which can bearly accommodate the current population.

Tracy Moss (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#84

I'm signing this petition because there is far too much development going on in our area and the infrastructure cannot cope with all the proposed new housing.

Valerie Dos Santos (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#87

I do not think the infrastructure in the area will be able to handle the increase in the Durbanville population. It will also adversely affect the open space feel of this area of Durbanville, which is one of the reasons we live in this area.

Anrie Lubbe (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#88

All these developments at the end are not managed in the interest of the neighbourhood. Example infrastructure, water etc.

Chris Neethling (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#89

To protect the heritage of Durbanville. I don’t agree with the scale of the development.

Martha Wehmeyer (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#90

I am signing this petition because I am deeply concerned about the long-term impact this proposed development could have on the Durbanville community. The Durbanville Racecourse is not only an important open space but also a heritage site that forms a significant part of Durbanville’s history and identity. The scale of the proposed development raises serious concerns about infrastructure capacity, increased traffic congestion, the loss of valuable open space, and the potential damage to a historically significant site. I believe development should be responsible, sensitive to heritage, and properly supported by infrastructure before being approved.

Natalie Baxter (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#93

I am signing because there is no infrastructure (cars, schools etc) and it will change Durbanville which has an agricultural feel to it. There is already a need for better and more roads, schools, hospitals

Natasha Lessing (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#98

I don't want the rural landscape to change more than it already has.

Beverley Smit (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#99

To stop landmarks and green zones from becoming residential areas and increasing the over population already present in Durbanville

Martin Nortier (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#100

This development will be to the detriment of the Durbanville community. We do not have the space or resources to accommodate this development. Further and more importantly is the natures reserve adjacent to the race course which will be demolished or affected in a very serious way

Klia Verster (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#101

We need to protect historic open spaces.

Charlotte-Ann Purves (Stellenbosch, 2026-03-10)

#102

I also don’t believe the impact of this development has been considered with regards to schools in the surrounding areas which already battle to accept the amount of kids currently living in the area.

Paul Hough (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#106

I love opposite the proposed development and the traffic is going to be a big problem!!!!

Natalie Winterbach-Pridgeon (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#107

This was always designated for this purpose
The infrastructure cannot support further traffic.
The schools are already overwhelmed by pupils

Annie Du Toit (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#110

I'm signing for the reasons listed in the petition.

Tammy Coetzee (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#114

i do not agree with the proposed development. the value of my property, safety of the community and traffic impact is unacceptable.

Francois du Toit (Cape TOwn, 2026-03-10)

#115

I want to protect my rights and interests in the context of the new proposed development

Leonie Nel (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#119

CJ van Eeden

Tina Van Eeden (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#122

We cannot allow more residential developements until sufficient allowance has been made for new PUBLIC schools, better infrastructure, traffic congestion etc.

Chrismari de Kock (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#127

All the reasons stated

Marcia Wood (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#134

I absolutely believe it is a disgrace that no thoughts are given to protect our environment. It is all taken by greedy socalled property developers, building and leaving a legacy of concrete nightmares.

Driekie Hay-Swemmer (Bellville, 2026-03-10)

#135

Firstly the land should be used for sport not residential and I don't trust that the ward councillor is not benefiting through the approval of the proposed project,

Kym Clayton (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#137

I have grown up in Durbanville and stayed there from birth through to my High School years and beyond. The racecourse and also the botanic garden is a Durbanville icon / landmark and should be kept like this to prevent Durbanville becoming just another overcrowded town with no identity.

Beyers Strydom (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#142

The cons far outweigh the pros.

Charmaine Van Niekerk (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#145

Inadequate Infrastructure Capacity with empohasis onSewer overflows water pressure problems. increased service failures for existing residents. There will inevitably be increased traffic volume to already jeopardised and strained infrastructure.

Bernadette Dicks (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#147

You will totally destroy the natural beauty of the area, the natural eco system around it and will be destroying a beautiful piece of history!!!

Cherie Setzer (Johannesburg, 2026-03-10)

#148

The traffic is already congested and time consuming. There seems to be no planning in place for balance travel and transportation in Cape Town. This area has become unattractive and we concider to relocate outside of Cape Town if this urban unplanned development continues.

Eric Kobrinowski (D’urbanvale, 2026-03-10)

#153

- race course is part of the heritage of Durbanville
- The Durbanville schools are already full and people are already struggling to get placement. To add more people are not the solution for this problem.

Wilmien Marren (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#157

1 Against the City's own spatial plan
2 Permanent loss of open space
3 Overlooking and loss of privacy
4 Traffic and road safety on Bowlers Avenue
5 Noise and entertainment disturbance
6 Crime and vagrancy
7 Property value impact
8 Removal of title deed protections
9 Procedural unfairness, withheld technical reports

Steven van Heerden (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#158

There is absolute disregard of rights of those on the perimeter of the open space who purchased in the knowledge that the open space rights were entrenched historically and in the municipal & provincial policy protections for indigenous flora & fauna. This proposal is crass and driven by avarice of the ‘haves’.

Derek Swemmer (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#160

The current infrastructure will be overloaded! Stormwater pipes are constantly breaking down! CURRENT ROADS CANNOT HANDLE ALL THE TRAFFIC AS IT IS

Mariana Siebrits (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#161

I do not want the above mentioned erven to be developed

Maria Smith (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#162

I fully agree with all the concerns raised in this regard and I fully support this petition.

Schalk Du Toit (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#163

Ek is al 66jr lank ‘n Durbie uit Durban en in my 71ste jaar. Ons renbaan is ‘n integrale deel van ons geskiesenis en erfenis.
Behou dit vir ons nageslag!

Karen Reid (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#165

I am signing this petition because I am in full agreement with the points raised.

Charmaine Gray (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#166

I am concerned that existing infrastructure — including the Fisantekraal Wastewater Treatment Works and surrounding networks — may not yet have sufficient operational capacity. Approving this development presents unacceptable risks:

Mias De Klerk (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#167

Too many new developments, too little infastructure. Not nearly enough schools in the area as is!

Santie Nel (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#168

I love green Durbanville.
The public schools are over-full, burdening the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Petronella Meintjes (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#169

Beskerming van ons oop ruimtes en erfenis. Ons kan nie verdere ontwikkeling in die middedorp toelaat nie.

Andrew Kok (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#170

I stay opposite the race course and I like my current surroundings and view.

Elsa Carpentier (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#177

Environmental protection
• Stormwater management
• Preserving Durbanville’s landscape character
• Providing visual relief and ecological continuity

Janetta Van der Merwe (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#178

Too much strain / overload on existing infrastructure.

Fred Botha (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#182

I grew up in Durbanville and part of what makes it so special is the open spaces and village feel. The racecourse was the central point of activity and made Durbanville unique. I don’t want Durbanville to become a polluted overgrown concrete jungle. The development is going to fast and we are losing so much of what makes Durbanville a special place to live and needs protecting.

Nicole dos Santos (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#183

The area should be protected, there is also not enough infrastructure (roads, schools) to accommodate more housing

Megan Park (Capetown, 2026-03-10)

#184

There is already no space in the schools in Durbanville. The traffic around the schools is already a nightmare. The infrastructure will not cope with this develoment.

Leda Heesakkers (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#191

There is inadequate infrastructure to support development.

Alex Macfarlane (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#194

We would like to keep the racecourse area as it is.
Durbanville is already overpopulated, resulting in insufficient schools, roads, public services, medical services for the existing population. Traffic is a nightmare, don't make it worse

Natalie Cheney (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)

#195

Our current road infrastructure cannot cope with more traffic, esp with another 1000 dwellings being constructed. Traffic is already a nightmare on St Johns Road in the mornings so people use the roads through Aurora as a quick route to bypass the St Johns Road congestion.

Our schools are already at 150% capacity.
We need to protect the heritage of Durbanville and the wide-open spaces that we are accustomed to.

Ray Gerstner (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#196

We as residence of Cape Town are constantly being blamed for water shortage and that we must decrease water consumption in Cape Town. Traffic from 2025 to 2026 has become exponentially worse since the opening of flat complexes in Durbanville. By adding all these living units, we are headed for catastrophic traffic jams and water shortages.

The environmental impact will also be significant as very little attention is ever given to the environmental sustainability when building these "concrete jungles" with little to no regards for the natural life present in the Durbanville area.

Karien De (Durbanville, 2026-03-10)

#199

I am raising serious concerns about the lack of proper planning for local infrastructure in relation to ongoing development. The costs of water, rates, and taxes continue to rise for residents, yet new building projects are being approved without adequate consideration of the strain they place on existing services.

It is essential that infrastructure, including water supply, roads, and public services, be thoroughly assessed and upgraded before additional developments are approved. Responsible planning must prioritize the needs and sustainability of the existing community.

Melanie Mills (Cape Town, 2026-03-10)



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