Who decides
If your property is in Welkom, Matjhabeng Local Municipality is the planning authority for excision of agricultural holdings. It forms part of the Lejweleputswa District, but the district municipality is not assumed to decide these applications.
| Municipality | Matjhabeng Local Municipality (local) |
|---|---|
| Province | Free State |
| District | Lejweleputswa |
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 Free State towns such as Welkom include: you own an agricultural holding on the urban edge and want urban rights.
Areas covered by Matjhabeng Local Municipality include Welkom. Neighbouring municipalities in the Lejweleputswa District, such as Masilonyana, Nala, Tokologo, Tswelopele, are separate planning authorities with their own by-laws and schemes, so the correct municipality must be confirmed from the property's location.
The legal framework is SPLUMA (2013), the municipality's own planning by-law and its land use scheme. Depending on the matter, the authorised official or the Municipal Planning Tribunal decides, and an appeal lies to the municipality's appeal authority. Fees, documents and timeframes are set by Matjhabeng 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 Welkom?
Matjhabeng Local Municipality in Free State is the planning authority for Welkom. The exact property location should still be confirmed, as municipal boundaries do not always follow town names.
Does the Lejweleputswa District Municipality decide excision of agricultural holdings applications?
Not by default. Under SPLUMA, local municipalities such as Matjhabeng Local Municipality are their own planning authorities for most land-use applications.
What should I check before starting with excision of agricultural holdings in Welkom?
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.