Declaration of the street block bound by Strand, Buitengracht, Bree and Waterkant Streets

Please support the application by The Habitat Council for the: 'Declaration of the street block bound by Strand, Buitengracht, Bree and Waterkant Streets, Cape Town, comprising ERF 9245 CT – (The Lutheran Church Complex, the Evangelical Lutheran Church office, and two 20th century buildings), and ERF 174009 CT – (Melck/VOC warehouse) as Grade 1 Heritage Resource'. In order to assist those who are not aware of this historical site, please find (ATTACHED) a copy of a very informative presentation prepared for last November's appeal hearing. A refusal of a previous application for a 4 storey office block application was confirmed by the Cape High Court, and, in November 2013, by the Planning Appeal Board of the City. This application to now have the defined area declared a Grade 1 Heritage site is prompted by the likelihood that a new application may now be submitted for the development with respect to the 18th century warehouse on this street block. Letters of support can be sent to the Executive Officer: Habitat Council, 1 Bertha Court, Exner Ave, Vredehoek 8001 email address: mlroux@mweb.co.za OR The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) itself if you prefer : PO Box 4637, Cape Town, 8000 email: info@sahra.org.za - please also send a copy to the Executive Officer: Habitat Council, 1 Bertha Court, Exner Ave, Vredehoek 8001, email address: mlroux@mweb.co.za •       We fully support the application to SAHRA and the stand taken by the Habitat Council to have the complete Lutheran street block declared a Grade 1 Heritage site, prompted by the likelihood that a new application may now be submitted for the development with respect to the 18th century warehouse on this street block. The refusal of the 4 storey office block application having been confirmed by the Cape High Court, and, in November 2013, by the Planning Appeal Board of the City. •       We also fully agree and support the reasoning of the Habitat Council in this application to SAHRA in that you declare the complete street block a Grade 1 Heritage Resource, so that the principle that this block reflects 18th century scale and style of construction may be strengthened. •       We do not want to have to fight against anything like the four plus two storey block which would totally destroy the integrity of the site, - the only remaining street block representing 18th century buildings of the VOC period. Kind regards Len Swimmer Chairman