Overstrand Heritage & Aesthetics Committee is registered as an agent of Heritage Western Cape in the Overstrand. The Foundation comments on heritage applications to enable the relevant committees at Heritage Western Cape to make informed decisions on heritage matters, as well as registered with the Overstrand Municipality as an interested party and stakeholder, to comment on planning and development matters.

The Overstrand Heritage & Aesthetics Committee (OHAC) is registered with Heritage Western Cape as a conservation body in terms of section 25(1)(b) of the National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999).

In this capacity OHAC provides independent advisory comment on heritage-related applications

and development proposals within the Overstrand municipal area, contributing to the identification, conservation

and responsible management of heritage resources such as buildings, cultural landscapes,

historic areas and places of memory.

About us

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

To preserve the natural beauty and heritage resources of the Overstrand Municipality, ensuring that future development harmonizes with the area's distinctive character and enhances the quality of life for all its inhabitants.

To conserve and protect the historic 'village' character of town centres, as identified in the Overstrand Heritage Survey (2009) and within proclaimed Heritage Protection Overlay Zones (HPOZs).

To encourage and assist in the preservation of architectural heritage, by supporting development that is aesthetically consistent with existing heritage and by establishing sound guidelines for the maintenance, restoration, and design of buildings and structures.

To act in an advisory capacity to the Overstrand Municipality

and to assist local, regional, and national authorities in planning and promoting measures that project heritage resources and structures.

To assist in preserving the cultural significance of Heritage Projection Overlay Zones (HPOZs), be reviewing and commenting on development applications, alterations, demolitions and restorations within these zones.

To promote conservation awareness by supporting education initiatives and informing the general public about the value and protection of heritage resources.

To assist in the gathering, ordering, processing and archiving of information related to Overstrand's heritage resources, in collaboration with the Overstrand Municipality and other stakeholders, to ensure that reports, studies and heritage records submitted by applicants are preserved for future reference and public benefit.

To seek membership that is broadly representative of the demographics of the Overstrand Municipality.

OHAC MEMBERS (JULY 2026- JUNE 2028)

Andrew Greeff

Architect (Chair)

Diann Swart

Snr Architectural Technologist (Vice chair)

Nicolas Clark

Land Surveyor

Alex Edmayr

Architect

Lize Fick

Architect

Andrew Finlayson

Architect

Eward Grobler

Structural Engineer

Susan Lieberman

Urban Regional Planner (Retired)

Nicolette Lloyd

Snr Architectural Technologist

Neel Saayman

Architect

John Simson

Civil Engineer

Leon Smith

Architectural Technologist

Jenna Theron

Environmental & Heritage Consultant

Sally Titlestad

Heritage Practitioner (Retired)

Ohna Clark

Architect (Co-Opt member)

Laureen Rossouw

Design Consultant (Co-Opt Member)

Janeke Wissekerke

Architect (Co-Opt Member)

WHEN TO MAKE AN APPLICATION

In terms of the National Heritage Resources Act (Act 25 of 1999),

certain work on heritage resources requires approval from Heritage Western Cape (HWC)

An application to HWC is generally required when:

- A structure older than 60 years is proposed to be demolished, altered or added to;

- The property is declared a provincial or National Heritage Site;

- The development may affect archaeological resources, burial grounds or other protected heritage resources.

Properties located within a Heritage Protection Overlay Zone (HPOZ) are also subject to

additional heritage-related planning controls administered by the local municipality.

Applicants are encouraged to submit heritage-related proposals within the Overstrand municipal area to Overstrand Heritage & Aesthetics Committee (OHAC) for advisory comment prior to submission to Heritage Western Cape.

Where properties are located in Stanford, applicants are encouraged to also consult the Stanford Conservation Trust.

Early consultation can assist in identifying heritage issues and may help streamline the formal application process.

You can check whether a property falls within a heritage area or HPOZ using the Overstrand GIS system:

Useful Links > Overstrand GIS Public Viewer > Search > Cadastre (Deeds) > Enter Erf/Farm number > Apply > Dropdown arrow on applicable property to view the summary of property details.

Note that GIS information are indicative only and do not replace formal confirmation from the relevant authorities.

Applicants remain responsible for investigating and motivating the heritage significance of a property as part of any heritage application.

OHAC COMMENT

Applicants are encouraged to submit heritage-related proposals to OHAC before formal submission to relevant authorities.

KNOW MORE

BUILDING CONTROL

Applicants are advised to engage early with the relevant municipal departments to identify any building plan, land use or HPOZ requirements before formal submission is made to HWC.

HWC

Applications to HWC must be submitted in accordance with HWC current requirements. From 5 Jan 2026, applications in terms of Sections 27, 28, 29, 31, 34 and 38 are submitted via SAHRIS:

www.sahris.org.za

know more

APPEAL PERIOD

All decisions by Heritage Western Cape are subject to an appeal period of 14 working days.

Where required, the applicant must notify interested and affected parties who have expressed a bona fide interest in the heritage aspects of the application.

BUILDING CONTROL

Separate municipal approval may still be required. Where NHRA approval applies, the relevant HWC record of decision and/or permit must accompany the final submission and municipal approval is not automatic on the strength of HWC approval alone.