Who decides
Excision of agricultural holdings matters for property in Kokstad and surrounding areas are dealt with by Greater Kokstad Local Municipality, in KwaZulu-Natal. It forms part of the Harry Gwala District, but the district municipality is not assumed to decide these applications.
| Municipality | Greater Kokstad Local Municipality (local) |
|---|---|
| Province | KwaZulu-Natal |
| District | Harry Gwala |
Local requirements
The aim of excision of agricultural holdings is to excise a holding from an agricultural holdings register so urban rights can apply. Common situations in KwaZulu-Natal towns such as Kokstad include: you own an agricultural holding on the urban edge and want urban rights.
Areas covered by Greater Kokstad Local Municipality include Kokstad. Neighbouring municipalities in the Harry Gwala District, such as Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Johannes Phumani Phungula, Umzimkhulu, 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 Greater Kokstad 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 Greater Kokstad Local Municipality and change from time to time, so they are confirmed for each matter.
When you may need it
- You own an agricultural holding on the urban edge and want urban rights
The broad process
- Feasibility
- Application
- Evaluation and decision
- Registration
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 excision of agricultural holdings in Kokstad?
Greater Kokstad Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal is the planning authority for Kokstad. The exact property location should still be confirmed, as municipal boundaries do not always follow town names.
Does the Harry Gwala District Municipality decide excision of agricultural holdings applications?
Not by default. Under SPLUMA, local municipalities such as Greater Kokstad Local Municipality are their own planning authorities for most land-use applications.
What should I check before starting with excision of agricultural holdings in Kokstad?
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.