The site is located in Keurboomstrand, a resort town near Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, under the jurisdiction of the Bitou Municipality.

It should be noted that the proposed development encompasses two interrelated components. The first involves the expansion of the existing Kinetic Catamarans manufacturing facility, while the second entails the upgrade of the South African Sea Cadet Corps – TS Knysna facilities located on the adjoining property. Both components are being assessed collectively under a single Basic Assessment process and are hereafter referred to jointly as “the development area.”

The property has historically been used by the Lovemore family for private recreational purposes over many years. Family members have regularly made use of the property for outdoor activities and informal camping, making use of the existing disturbed areas and the dirt road for access. These activities have generally been temporary in nature, with family members making use of tents and basic camping arrangements during visits to the property.

The ECO reports provides guidance on environmental best practices for the proposed development of a beachfront security estate on portion 66 & 67 of farm 443, Plettenberg bay, Western Cape. The content of this report is aligned with the requests and conditions outlined in the EA (DEA Reference: 16/3/3/1/D1/14/0028/22) and EMPr (Dated: 23/08/2023).

Portion 76 of the Farm 216 is situated within 1.5 km from Brenton on Sea Residential Area, Knysna Western Cape and the Southern boundary boarders the Brenton Beach. The property is 21.01 hectares in extent.

The entire property is classed as Critical Biodiversity Area (CBA) which is defined as areas in a natural condition that are required to meet biodiversity targets, for species, ecosystems or ecological processes and infrastructure.

Erf 301 Hoekwil is a vacant smallholding of 3.92ha in extent, located in Hoekwil (Wilderness Heights). The property overlooks the Touw River and Ebb & Flow Rest Camp (Garden Route National Park) to the east, and the Village of Wilderness to the west. Access to the property is from Whites Road leading from the Village around the Wilderness Heights area with a circular route from the west to east and again reaching Heights Road in the west. The section of Whites Road passing Erf 301 Hoekwil is a provincial road, Divisional Road 1621.

The Applicant (Kobus Smit) has proposed development on Portion 59 of Farm 216 (Referred to as the property throughout the report. The property has been investigated by a team of specialists (Terrestrial, Plant, Faunal, and Aquatic) in correlation with the Environmental Assessment Practitioner.