Who decides
Consolidation matters for property in Somerset East and surrounding areas are dealt with by Blue Crane Route Local Municipality, in Eastern Cape. It forms part of the Sarah Baartman District, but the district municipality is not assumed to decide these applications.
| Municipality | Blue Crane Route Local Municipality (local) |
|---|---|
| Province | Eastern Cape |
| District | Sarah Baartman |
Local requirements
The aim of consolidation is to combine adjacent properties into a single land unit. Common situations in Eastern Cape towns such as Somerset East include: you own adjoining stands and want to build across the common boundary.
Areas covered by Blue Crane Route Local Municipality include Somerset East. Neighbouring municipalities in the Sarah Baartman District, such as Dr Beyers Naudé, Kou-Kamma, Kouga, Makana, Ndlambe, Sundays River Valley, are separate planning authorities with their own by-laws and schemes, so the correct municipality must be confirmed from the property's location.
Applications are made under Blue Crane Route Local Municipality's Municipal Planning By-law, read with SPLUMA (2013) and the applicable land use scheme. Decisions are taken by an authorised official or the Municipal Planning Tribunal, with appeals to the appeal authority. Fees, documents and timeframes are set by Blue Crane Route Local Municipality and change from time to time, so they are confirmed for each matter.
When you may need it
- You own adjoining stands and want to build across the common boundary
- A development site has been assembled from several properties
The broad process
- Check ownership, zoning and bonds
- Municipal application
- Survey and diagram approval
- Registration of the consolidated property
Documents commonly required
- Copy of the title deed (later stage, not at enquiry)
- Surveyor-General diagram or general plan
- Zoning certificate or current land-use information
- Power of attorney and owner consent where applicable
What affects cost
- Professional planning fees for preparation and motivation
- Municipal application fees set by the relevant municipality
- Advertising and notice costs where public participation is required
- Specialist reports (for example traffic, engineering services or environmental)
- Survey and conveyancing fees
Professional fees, municipal application fees, advertising and specialist costs are quoted separately for each matter. Timeframes depend on completeness, objections, specialist work and municipal processing.
Questions
Which municipality handles consolidation in Somerset East?
Blue Crane Route Local Municipality in Eastern Cape is the planning authority for Somerset East. The exact property location should still be confirmed, as municipal boundaries do not always follow town names.
Does the Sarah Baartman District Municipality decide consolidation applications?
Not by default. Under SPLUMA, local municipalities such as Blue Crane Route Local Municipality are their own planning authorities for most land-use applications.
What should I check before starting with consolidation in Somerset East?
Useful starting points are: Copy of the title deed (later stage, not at enquiry); Surveyor-General diagram or general plan; Zoning certificate or current land-use information. Title deed conditions, servitudes and previous approvals should also be checked.