Spar: Concerns, Conversations and Conservation
- KRRA
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
In an indication of the concern Kom residents have about development in the village, the public meeting on Tuesday 11 March to consider the Spar development this week attracted a large gathering.
The meeting was hosted and facilitated by Mike Smit (KRRA Treasurer), who explained that the purpose of the meeting was to provide residents with an opportunity to hear directly from the developer and the proposed SPAR operator, ask questions, and gather information regarding the proposed development and the three departures currently being applied for.
The meeting formed part of the public participation process and served as an information-gathering session for the community. Presenters included Tim de Wet, Independent SPAR retailer and Kommetjie resident, and Kevin McLoughlin, Western Gruppe Properties (Developer).
Many residents expressing deep misgivings about how the development will change the ethos of the village. The full range of discussion, concerns and points raised can be found in the minutes
Please note that the minutes are not a list of objections by KRRA or any particular person, but rather a summary of talking points.
Mr De Wet noted that the land was zoned appropriately and that the building was going ahead, with the requisite approvals to proceed although building could only commence once three departures from the original plan were approved.
These were
Permission for parking bays within 10 metres of the road boundary, which is normally restricted.
Increasing the access width from 9m to 12m to accommodate articulated delivery trucks, allowing deliveries to occur within the site rather than on the road.
Permission to construct a deck in the northern portion of the site, within 5 metres of the road boundary, intended to serve a possible eatery.
As a resident in Kommetjie, Tim De Wet told residents how the plan had been on hold for seven years but Covid had put a halt to proceedings until recently. He said the store would aim to maintain a low-key village character, including minimal signage.
Spar has corporate signage requirements, however Tim indicated he had negotiated with SPAR to avoid large signage and promotional flags and SPAR had a flexible approach towards this.
Residents were reminded that the City of Cape Town would assess public comments and objections before making a decision on the departures. Those wishing to comment or object must submit the official form to the City:
Email your comments to comments_objections.southern@capetown.gov.za
Deadline: 23 March 2026
(Reference Details: Case ID: 1500152524 Erf: Remainder Erf 5976 Kommetjie Address: 1B Teubes Road, Kommetjie)
While the application relates specifically to the departures, submitting the form allows residents to place their broader views on the development on record with the City.
Please find an example of an objection here
As an example of the kind of concern that residents have is how the architectural style of the new development would blend into the community ethos and landscape.
One might feel that the building feels a bit too "cookie cutter" or "cut and paste", and people might prefer something softer or more rustic in character, perhaps taking inspiration from Nordic farm village styles, with more landscaping and trees and maybe fewer hard straight lines -- just as an example of course. In terms of communication about the development, KRRA shared notice of the 11 March SPAR public meeting with its email subscriber base on 25 February, and also posted the information on the KRRA website, social media platforms, and several local WhatsApp groups.
If anyone would like to join the KRRA email subscriber list, or is interested in volunteering with KRRA to help care for and protect the village, please feel free to get in touch at info@kommetjie.org
Most importantly, it’s helpful for the community to pull together and stay constructive and respectful as these discussions continue.
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