Plans for logistics park in Clairwood

The bustling area of Clairwood is finally getting a much needed clean up.

eThekwini Municipality has started the consultation process on the amendment to the Land Use Scheme in the Clairwood area to Special Zone 40: Logistics.

This gives effect to the Local Area Plan (LAP) adopted by the city in 2014. 

All interested and affected parties are invited to provide their comment on the amendment. The purpose of the amendment is to create a quality environment in line with the city’s vision. This will ensure better management of the area. Clairwood has always been a mixed-use area with industry surrounding a residential core. The intended master plan looks to creating uses that respond directly to the port.  

The city said they want to ensure that all land uses in the area are done legally and within the ambit of the relevant regulations, making it a safe, manageable space for all users, said Lihle Phewa, Head of the Development Planning and Environmental Management Unit.

“It should be noted that the area plays a significant role in the local, regional, national, and international economy. Importantly, the amended scheme will provide an adopted legal framework to assess future development applications against an adopted masterplan and zoning controls,” said Mr Phewa. 

The Spatial Planning and Land-Use Management (SPLUMA) application is a translation of the already adopted LAP and it looks at the proposed adoption of a masterplan for the area, as well as a zone that will assist the decision maker in delivering this vibrant and important project for the city, Mr Phewa said. Logistics parks across the globe demonstrate efficient spaces for the movement of goods and services. Distribution and break bulk are very much part of logistics parks, and the Clairwood proposal is no different, he added.

“Logistics parks are not just distribution/ warehouse centres. Proper spatial planning may include a variety of land uses and provide a sustainable space that allows people to live, work, and play. The city has used the term ‘Freight Village Concept’ as this enables a Logistic Village with ancillary complimentary facilities and services, that may include residential, parks, worship sites, offices, restaurants etc., all of which work in synergy,” said Mr Phewa.                                   

He added that it is important to record that the outcome of this process will not result in any development rights being granted to the subject properties. But rather a development framework that will serve as the masterplan from which to assess and evaluate development applications.

“The municipality is not rezoning land. Rather, as stated, the masterplan directs the developer and the municipality to make informed decisions,” said Mr Phewa. “We call on all affected and interested parties to engage with the document and submit their comments before the closing date on April 8. The city has allowed  a 60-day time period for comment which is more than the stipulated period for this change in land use to allow enough time for engagement,” said Mr Phewa.

The document can be found on https://www.durban.gov.za/pages/residents/lums-adverts