Bo-Kaap residents have launched a last-ditch attempt to stop the construction of what is set to become the biggest building on the edge of the historical area.
Residents have filed an appeal against the decision by the Municipal Planning Tribunal that the R1 billion development would not affect the heritage resources of the area.
Throwing its weight behind the appeal, the Urban Design Institute of South Africa (Udisa) said it agreed the building would be inappropriate from an urban design perspective.
In its appeal filed with the City on Monday, the Bo-Kaap Ratepayers’ and Civic Association also argued that the tribunal had not provided sufficient reasons for the decision it took in June, and that it did not set out its understanding of the relevant law and policies.
More than 1 000 residents of the area objected to the development, but these were dismissed by the tribunal.
Developers want to erect a 60 metre high apartment and retail building which would fill a city block between Longmarket and Shortmarket streets.
Mayor Patricia de Lille has the final say on the matter upon the advice of a technical team.
The association has asked that this panel include a heritage specialist, a traffic specialist and a civil engineer.