Project Status

BCMM Zoning Status – River Edge Rural Village

Current Status: Application for Rezoning to Residential Zoning 4 (Townhouse)

Last Updated: 24 September 2026

Summary of Our Engagement with BCMM

On 18 August 2026, The Mheza Trust and the River Edge Village Community Committee held a meeting with Mr Kershan Naidoo (City Planner: Land Use Management) and his team at the BCMM Offices in East London.

The purpose of the meeting was to present the River Edge Rural Village project, clarify the nature of the development, and seek guidance on the correct process for rezoning the property.

What BCMM Confirmed

1. 1. Rezoning to Residential Zoning 4

   Mr Naidoo confirmed that an application can be submitted and considered for the rezoning of Portion 2 of Farm 970 to Residential Zoning 4 (Townhouse) for the River Edge Rural Village development.

2. 2. Rural Classification

   Mr Naidoo acknowledged the community's clarification regarding their use of the term "rural." He confirmed that as long as the community is referring specifically to the use of rainwater harvesting and septic tanks, and not to animal farming or slaughtering, an application can be submitted and considered for rezoning.

3. 3. Location Within the Urban Edge

   Mr Naidoo noted that the farm does fall within the BCMM urban edge as identified in the Spatial Development Framework.

4. 4. Procedural Rejection, Not Substantive

   Mr Naidoo explained that the previous application was rejected for procedural reasons in terms of Section 74(c) of the BCMM SPLUM By-Law. The application was not submitted in the format required for the application type identified in the by-law. This was not a rejection of the project itself.

Steps Required by BCMM

Mr Naidoo outlined the following steps required before the rezoning can be finalised:

• Engage a town planner to formally submit the rezoning application.
• Pay the application fee and all other fees required in the process.
• Consult with the BCMM Water and Sanitation Departments prior to the submission of the application.
• The application will be published to allow neighbouring communities to raise objections, if any.
• The application will be circulated to other Municipal Development departments for comments pertaining to the development.

Fast-Tracking Advice from BCMM

Mr Naidoo advised the community to:

• Contact the BCMM Water and Sanitation Departments regarding the development and their requirements.
• Sit down with them and explain the proposal face-to-face.
• Obtain their written responses.
• Ensure the town planner attaches all these responses to the formal application, together with proof of application fee payment.

What This Means

Our Progress to Date

The Mheza Trust and the River Edge Village Community have already:

• Purchased the land legally from Mr Albert Shaw.
• Registered The Mheza Trust (Registration Number: IT000099/2024(E)).
• Drafted a Constitution for the River Edge Rural Village CPA.
• Elected a temporary committee.
• Engaged with DALRRD for CPA registration.
• Met with BCMM and received guidance on the rezoning process.
• Received a no-objection letter from the Sanitation Division for the proposed septic tank system.
• Engaged with the Waterworks Division and awaiting their signed response.

Next Steps

1. Engage a registered town planner to prepare and submit the formal rezoning application.
2. Consult with BCMM Water and Sanitation Departments and obtain their written responses.
3. Pay the application fee and any other required fees.
4. Submit the formal application with all supporting documents and departmental responses attached.
5. Await publication and circulation for public comment and departmental review.

Important Note

This status is based on the meeting held with BCMM on 18 August 2026 and the guidance provided by Mr Kershan Naidoo (City Planner: Land Use Management). The community remains committed to following the correct legal process and complying with all requirements set by BCMM and other relevant departments.

We will continue to update this page as we progress through the rezoning process.