Who decides
For land in East London, scheme & spatial framework amendments falls under the planning powers of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape. As a metropolitan municipality it has no district council above it.
| Municipality | Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (metropolitan) |
|---|---|
| Province | Eastern Cape |
| Land-use scheme | Buffalo City Zoning Scheme Regulations, unconfirmed |
Local requirements
The aim of scheme & spatial framework amendments is to engage with amendments to land-use schemes and spatial development frameworks. Common situations in Eastern Cape towns such as East London include: a draft scheme or SDF affects your property.
Areas covered by Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality include East London, Buffalo City.
The governing documents in Buffalo City are the Buffalo City Spatial Planning and Land Use Management By-law, 2016 and the Buffalo City Zoning Scheme Regulations, read with SPLUMA (2013). Depending on the category of application, the decision is taken by an authorised official or the Municipal Planning Tribunal, with appeals to the City's appeal authority. Fees, required documents and timeframes are set by Buffalo City and change from time to time, so they are confirmed for each matter.
When you may need it
- A draft scheme or SDF affects your property
- Your land is excluded from a development edge or corridor you rely on
The broad process
- Monitor and review drafts
- Prepare submissions
- Engage at public participation
Documents commonly required
- Property information
- Development intentions
What affects cost
- Extent of review
- Number of properties
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 scheme & spatial framework amendments in East London?
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in Eastern Cape is the planning authority for East London, Buffalo City. The exact property location should still be confirmed, as municipal boundaries do not always follow town names.
Is there a district municipality involved in East London?
No. Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality is a metropolitan municipality and handles its own planning applications.
What should I check before starting with scheme & spatial framework amendments in East London?
Useful starting points are: Property information; Development intentions. Title deed conditions, servitudes and previous approvals should also be checked.
Sources
- Buffalo City Zoning Scheme Regulations (as of 2026-10-21)
- Buffalo City Spatial Planning and Land Use Management By-law, 2016 (as of 2026-10-21)