THE uncertainty over development possibilities in the Paarl area may soon come to an end.

Drakenstein Municipality intends to demarcate a line defining the outer limits of urban expansion for the different urban centres in the municipal area in order to contain urban sprawl and protect natural resources.

Proposals on the implementation of urban edges in the municipal areas close on 10 February.

The study is to be undertaken following recommendations in terms of the Draft Drakenstein Spatial Development Framework, Strategic Environmental Assessment, State of the Environment Report on Urbanisation and the Paarl Farms Land Use Management Policy.

Drakenstein thereby intends to achieve more intensive use of resources within the urban areas whilst conserving those natural and rural resources that lie beyond the urban edges.

The purpose of the project is to create more efficient urban areas and to ensure sustainable development.

The study will compile guidelines associated with the management zones on either side of the demarcated lines; and identify different categories of urban edges and identify how, if at all, the urban edge could be expanded over a ten year and a twenty year period respectively.

An information document can be obtained from Karen Joubert at tel 807-4822 or e-mail Karen.Joubert @Drakenstein.gov.za.

Proposals should be placed in a sealed envelope and clearly marked "Urban Edge for Urban Centres", and should be placed in the tender box before or on Thursday 10 February at 10:00, immediately where-after it will be opened in public in the Committee Room, 1st floor, Drakenstein Civic Centre, Berg River Boulevard, Paarl. All tenders will be considered in terms of Council's Procurement Policy.

THE Drakenstein Municipality has approved the development of an upmarket security development of 30 erven south of the Parys cemetery, on the adjoining farm Parys.

The erven will be approximately 600 square metres in size.

The 5,8 hectares of land is located in the secluded valley to the rear of the old wine cellar of the farm.

This area was previously used for pig sties and is not considered suitable for agriculture.

The development is planned by the farm owner in conjunction with developer Johan Pauw, and will include a clubhouse, vineyards and a winery with tourist facilities and farm store.

The development involves the redevelopment of the existing buildings into a "wine experience" (including cellar tasting and other activities) with some housing units in the buildings.

The Drakenstein Heritage Foundation has called for a conservation plan for all the historic buildings on the farm to be completed and accepted by Heritage Western Cape before there can be any changes, renovations or alterations to the historic buildings and structures on the farm.

The DHF points out that it has become standard practice that municipalities demand submissions of detailed architectural guidelines for any proposed developments.

*Another development, formerly the farm Klein Carolina adjoining Klein Parys, is scheduled to go ahead after years of delays. The area of ten hectares will be developed as a security complex of 101 erven ranging from 600 to 800 square metres each.

Access will be from Carolina Road and not through Klein Parys, following  objections from residents fearing increased traffic.