DRAFT IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT

DRAFT IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION ERASMUSPARK: PORTION OF THE R/E OF THE FARM WATERKLOOF 378 JR GAUT: 006/18-19/E0012 Prepared for: Atterbury Property Fund Managers (Pty) Ltd JUNE 2018

Table of Contents 1.0. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND... 4 1.1. Purpose of the application... 4 1.2. Proposed amendments... 4 2.0. THE PROJECT SITE... 4 2.1. Context of the site... 4 2.2. Environmental attributes of the site- fauna and flora... 8 2.3. Social Context... 8 3.0. ALIGNMENT WITH APPLICABLE LEGISLATION AND POLICIES... 8 4.0. MOTIVATION FOR THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT... 10 4.1. Need and desirability... 10 4.2. Advantages and disadvantages of the proposed Amendment... 12 5.0. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS... 12 5.1. Process to be followed... 12 5.2. Issues raised... 12 5.3. Conclusion... 13 6.0. IMPACT ASSESSMENT... 13 6.1. Methodology Used... 13 6.2. Criteria for Rating of Impacts... 14 6.3. Assessment of Impacts... 15 6.3.1 Pre-Construction phase... 15 6.3.2 Construction phase... 16 6.3.3 Operational phase... 17 7.0. AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPR... 18 8.0. CONCLUSION... 18 9.0 REFERENCES... 20 List of Figures Figure 1: Locality Map...5 Figure 2: Original layout...6 Figure 3: Proposed layout...7 Figure 4: Proposed Open area in relation to the proposed layout... 11 List of Tables Table 1: Explanation of the methodology variables... 13 Table 2: Criteria for rating of impacts... 14 2

Table 3: Potential impacts and mitigation measures during the pre-construction phase... 15 Table 4: Potential impacts and mitigation measures during the construction phase... 16 Table 5: Potential impacts during operational phase... 17 List of Annexes Annexure 1: Locality Map... 21 Annexure 2: Environmental Authorisations... 22 Annexure 3: Layout Plans... 23 Annexure 4: Open Space & Sensitive Area Assessment Report... 24 Annexure 5: Ridge and Flora Assessment... 25 Annexure 6: EMPr... 26 3

1.0. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 1.1. Purpose of the application Atterbury Property Fund Managers (Pty) Ltd has submitted an application to the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), the competent authority, for the amendment of the Environmental Authorisation (EA), referenced Gaut: 002/16-17/E0221 issued on 12 June 2017. This amendment application has been issued with reference number Gaut: 006/18-19/E0012. The partial EA allowed for the development of a mixed use township, (Annexure 1a). Some of the conditions in the EA would result in the exclusion of the shopping centre which, according to the applicant, is the anchor of the development and therefore its exclusion would make the development unfeasible. Subsequently, the applicant noted an appeal against conditions 3(c), 3(d), 3(h), 3(j), 3(k) and 4(a). While the appeal was partially upheld, the appeal against conditions 3(d), 3(j), 3(k) was dismissed, see Annexure 1b. It is the intention to amend the layout to give effect to the MEC s decision while taking into account the outcome of subsequent studies. 1.2. Proposed amendments This application seeks to amend the original layout plan as well as to amend or remove certain conditions that make it impossible for the proposed development to be implemented, In particular: Condition 3(d), which states that, the steep areas at the following metres above mean sea level should be excluded from development: 1498.5, 1497.5, 1497, 1492.5, 1489.5, 1489, 1486.5 that are to the eastern side of the site. This area falls within a high sensitivity area also depicted as Rocky Grassland under vegetation categories map is to be removed or amended to refer to the proposed open space area. Condition 3((c) which prevents any development within Medium and Medium-High (amended to Medium-High through MEC s appeal decision, needs to be amended on the basis of the detailed reassessment of rock grassland area so that areas that are already degraded or are contiguous to degraded areas are allowed to be developed as per the new layout plan (Figure 3). Condition 3(g) must be amended to give effect to the MEC s decision. It is therefore proposed that the department allows the implementation of the amended layout which seeks to utilise the degraded areas within parts of what was regarded as medium-high sensitive areas in exchange for a larger and connected open space system that links the intact rocky outcrop vegetation with the wetland system. 2.0. THE PROJECT SITE 2.1. Context of the site The application site is situated northwest of the N1, east of the R21 and south of Solomon Mahlangu Drive. The proposed development is situated on the Remaining Extent of the Farm Waterkloof 378 JR. Altogether the site measures ±22.15ha, see Figure 1&2.. 4

Figure 1: Locality Map

Figure 2: Original layout

Figure 3: Proposed layout

2.2. Environmental attributes of the site- fauna and flora According to the GDARD C-Plan 3.3 the entire site is situated within a Critical Biodiversity Area due to presence of natural grassland and suitability as habitat for threatened species. Therefore, parts of the site were excluded from development as they were considered to be of Medium-High Sensitivity especially the grassland associated with what was considered as a rocky outcrop. Subsequent studies conducted by Galago Environmental and another by Scientific Aquatic Services (SAS) (Annexure 4 & 5) conclude that the excluded area can at best be described as rocky grassland rather than a rocky outcrop which has patches intact grassland. Both specialists emphasise that historical anthropogenic activity in the area, including agriculture, development of roadways and substantial dumping of building rubble the grassland and in particular the primary grassland has been isolated and thus the small remaining sensitive grassland is under greater threat from the surrounding agents of change. These disturbances have led to the proliferation of alien invasive species and in particular Tagetes minuta (khaki weed). According to the studies the sensitivity of the site is further threatened by alien invasive species, especially along the many footpaths criss-crossing the outcrop. With no connectivity with other natural grassland areas, the continued existence of a healthy vegetation unit is doubtful. Further, no Red List or Orange List species occur on the rocky outcrop. 2.3. Social Context The properties located generally to the north, south and east of the site are predominantly low and medium density residential housing estates. There are also commercial and light industrial areas further west of the site. Therefore, the development of a shopping centre will support the land uses in the area. 3.0. ALIGNMENT WITH APPLICABLE LEGISLATION AND POLICIES This section provides a brief overview of some of the pertinent policies, guidelines as well as legal and administrative requirements applicable to the proposed project. National Environmental Management Act No. 107 of 1998 (NEMA) The NEMA provides the overarching framework for environmental management and enables the promulgation of the Regulations for Environmental Impact Assessment. It sets out the principles that serve as a general framework for environmental management, a reference to which organs of state must exercise their functions and guide other laws concerned with the protection or management of the environment. The application takes into account the environmental and socio-economic conditions in compliance with the NEMA principles. The National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act 10 of 2004) The Act provides for the management and conservation of South Africa s biodiversity within the framework of the NEMA. Areas of high biodiversity need to be protected. Although parts of the site had some ecologically sensitive areas, this has been addressed through the proposed offset in the form of a linked open space area. National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 45 of 1999 (NHRA) The Act aims to promote good management of the national heritage resources. According to the Act the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) must be notified during the early planning phases of a project for any

development that meet certain criteria. The Agency has been notified as required. Any artefacts uncovered during the construction phase will be reported to SAHRA. Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 These regulate the procedure and criteria for the preparation, evaluation, submission, processing and consideration of, and decision on, applications for environmental authorisations. They aim to ensure the avoidance or mitigation of detrimental impacts on the environment, while supporting the optimisation of the positive environmental impacts emanating from identified activities. The amendment application falls within the ambit of the Regulations and must processed in terms of what is provided for as Part 2 (two) amendment process. This report serves to meet part of those requirements. Gauteng Provincial Environmental Management Framework, 2015 The EMF provides a guide for the protection and enhancement of environmental assets and natural resources along with development patterns to ensure sustainable development within the Province. The development site is located in Zone 1; which is the urban development zone. The proposes amendment is in line with the provisions of the EMF. The Gauteng Conservation Plan, 2011 The Gauteng Conservation Plan (C-Plan) is provincial decision-support tool used for the protection provincial ecosystems and associated biodiversity. The C-Plan acts as an information tool for conservation of sensitive areas, as it is able to map important biodiversity areas. According to this plan, the site is situated within a critical biodiversity area. However, recent studies show that the site is not as sensitive and some areas have been degraded. Therefore, the proposal does not deviate from the provisions of this plan. Tshwane Region 3 Spatial Development Framework 2012 The site is located in Region 3 of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. According to the RSDF, the site is within a mixed-use development zone where a combination of land uses such as a mix of commercial/residential/ industrial/retail/entertainment/institutional uses is proposed. Therefore, the proposed development is aligned with the provisions of the framework. Tshwane Open Space Framework (TOSF) The TOSF aims to establish a thorough understanding of the intrinsic value of Open Space and then to develop a visionary roadmap towards the creation of an exceptional open space network for the city and its people. According to Volume 3 of the TOSF, the TOSF can be defined as a conceptualisation of interconnected open space that accommodates human and natural ecologies, systems and processes, developed to spatially manifest the open Space Vision. The sensitive portions of the site including the wetland corridor will be left as open space. 9

4.0. MOTIVATION FOR THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT The section below describes the need and desirability as well as benefits of the project as captured in documentation by the (Interdesign Landscape Architects, 2018). 4.1. Need and desirability The Environmental Authorisation (EA) issued on 12/06/2017, contained conditions that excluded development within the High, Medium-High, and Medium ecologically sensitive areas. These conditions were appealed against and the MEC, in his decision of 31/01/2018, upheld conditions 3(c) and 3(h) and dismissed conditions 3(d), 3(j) and (3k) of the EA. The dismissal of conditions 3(d), 3(j) and (3k) of the EA means the planned access road, the bulk of the shopping centre and related parking areas overlapping into the Medium-High sensitive area will have to be excluded from the development. This effectively meant that the anchor of this mixed use development could not be implemented thereby severely affecting the feasibility of the entire development precinct. In terms of access, it must be noted that the configuration and ease of traffic circulation in this type of development is vital to ensure the future sustainability of the precinct. The EA will prevent the access to the shopping centre from van Ryneveld Avenue. This west-east access road from van Ryneveld to the proposed Koedoesnek Street is essential from a traffic engineering point of view to ensure accessibility to the development and to assist in distribution of traffic throughout the centre. According to the traffic engineers report, this access point on van Ryneveld Avenue cannot be relocated to a position closer than 100m from the intersection between van Ryneveld Avenue and Solomon Mahlangu Drive in terms of the design requirements of Gautrans. The location of this access is also dictated by the horizontal alignment of van Ryneveld Avenue, which requires the intersection to be on the outside of the horizontal curve for sight distance considerations. As such, limited scope exists for the relocation of the access on van Ryneveld Avenue as a result of design standards and geometric design consideration. Further, in order to ensure that this access road does serve as a barrier to movement of faunal species between the rocky outcrop and the stream to the south, culverts will be placed at 15m intervals under the road to allow for movement of faunal species under the road. The said culverts will be at least 1m wide and 30cm high. The sustainability of a shopping centre development is based on the initial financial feasibility and the final acceptance of the centre layout regarding amongst others the convenience and ease of access. A significant portion of the gross leasable area and parking would be severed (37 600m2 in total) if conditions 3.c and d are not amended. The financial model for the shopping centre development is predicated on the total Gross Leasable Area (GLA), and currently an evaluation of the financial model based on the conditions of authorisation indicates that the shopping centre development is not financially sustainable and feasible based on the loss of GLA. The alternative option to bulk up the GLA through multi-storey buildings is not a viable option due to the geotechnical implications and aviation restrictions but most importantly the impact on the convenience requirement Parking space is also one of the main factors influencing the feasibility of the shopping centre, as inadequate parking space based on the GLA will also render the shopping centre not financially feasible and not sustainable in future. An alternative exists for underground or basement parking, but this would be very expensive due to geotechnical constraints as the site is underlain by dolomite. The proposed amendment takes into consideration both ecological and socio -economic needs in line with the principle of sustainable development. This option allows for the development of the west-east access road (32m 10

servitude) from van Ryneveld Avenue, which provides a critical link to the shopping centre development as explained above. The applicant proposes to install culverts across the full length of the road through the proposed open space area to accommodate the free movement of any ecological fauna and to allow for connectivity. Furthermore, the applicant proposes to utilise a very small section, of the site which was regarded as of Medium- High ecologically sensitive area (mostly degraded) but, as part of the revised layout, the open space areas, which extend beyond the medium high sensitivity grasslands will be managed and conserved (refer to Figure 4 below, the green hatched areas). Thus, two contiguous areas of managed and rehabilitated grassland and wetland habitat will be created. As stated above, these two areas will be connected with culverts under the road. Furthermore, these open space areas will also be connected to the open space along the watercourse which extends as far as the pit-lake adjacent to the N1. Figure 4: Proposed Open area in relation to the proposed layout As opposed to the original ecological impact figure 2 where only about 44 % of the medium high sensitive area has been protected the new proposed layout, figure 4 indicates that the impact of the footprint of the shopping cent as well as the residential units on the medium high sensitivity area has been reduced substantially and more than 82% of the medium high sensitivity area has now been retained and in total 6,4 hectares in open space will be made available. Therefore, the proposal will not compromise the ecological integrity of the rocky outcrop and the feasibility of the shopping centre development. 11

4.2. Advantages and disadvantages of the proposed Amendment Some of the main advantages associated with the proposed amendment include the following: The proposed development will result in employment generation which will in turn contribute to economic growth; The proposed development presents opportunities, services and infrastructure which is desirable and will support integrated development of the area (variety of uses within predominately residential area). The site is not linked to any major ecological areas and those sensitive parts of the site will be retained as a linked open space system. Thus, besides being infill development, the proposal will not compromise ecological resources in the province. The proposed development has some disadvantages as identified below: Increase in vehicular traffic given the scale of the commercial and business activities proposed; Contribution to loss of CBA areas within Gauteng. However, most of the affected areas are disturbed and continue to degrade according to the ecological studies conducted. Further, 78% of the sensitive area will be left undisturbed; Increase in stormwater runoff because of paved surface. A stormwater management must be implemented to address this; Visual impact on neighbouring residential areas, the development may influence aesthetics. This will be addressed through design and finishing of structures. 5.0. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS 5.1. Process to be followed As per the requirements of the EIA Regulations, an assessment related to the proposed change has been conducted and an Impact Assessment Report compiled. The report is being made available to authorities and interested & affected parties. In this regard the following will be undertaken; The application will be advertised in a national newspaper to notify interested and affected parties (I&AP) of the proposed amendment; Notices will be placed on site and at the boundaries of the site; Occupiers/owners of this and adjacent properties will be notified via letters or email; An email will also be sent out to authorities and the councillor informing them of the application as well as providing them with access to the Assessment Report; All issues raised during the public participation process will be noted and responded to through the Issues and Response Report; The register of I&AP will be compiled as required. 5.2. Issues raised The public participation process will allow for registration of I&AP and submission of comments/objections within a period of 30 days. Issues raised during the Public Participation Process will be compiled in the Issues and Response report which will be circulated to registered I&AP. 12

5.3. Conclusion The Public Participation Process will be conducted as per the requirements of the EIA Regulations, 2014. The outcome of the process will be captured in a public participation report and included in the final assessment report to be submitted to GDARD. 6.0. IMPACT ASSESSMENT The assessment of impacts resulting from the proposed amendment involved the identification of the environmental aspects and then applying the assessment criteria to determine their significance. The assessment included the construction and post construction phases of the project. Maintenance of infrastructure is addressed under the operational phase. The amendment application pertains to the change in the in the layout plan, to include an area that was previously classified as a sensitive area Therefore, the impact assessment focuses on those changes which have been brought about by the changes in the nature of development. It does not repeat the assessment of impacts if they do not substantially deviate from those assessed in the initial application process. However, those impacts deemed important to consider or state are included in the assessment. 6.1. Methodology Used The potential environmental impacts associated with the project were evaluated according to the nature, extent, duration, intensity, probability and significance of the impacts as explained below. Table 1: Explanation of the methodology variables Nature: classification of whether the impact is positive or negative, direct or indirect. Extent: spatial scale of impact and classified as: O Site: the impacted area is the whole or significant portion of the site. O Local: Within a radius of 2 km of the construction site. O Regional: impacted area extends to the immediate, surrounding and neighbouring properties. O National: the impact can be of national significance. Duration: Indicates the lifetime of the impact and is classified as: O Short term: The impact will either disappear with mitigation or will be mitigated through natural process in a span shorter than the construction phase. O Medium term: The impact will last for the period of the construction phase, where after it will be entirely negated. O Long term: The impact will continue or last for the entire operational life of the development, but will be mitigated by direct human action or by natural processes thereafter. The only class of impact which will be non-transitory. O Permanent: Mitigation either by man or natural process will not occur in such a way or in such a time span that the impact can be considered transient. Intensity: Describes whether an impact is destructive or benign; 13

O Low: The natural, cultural and social functions and processes are not affected. O Moderate: Affected environment is altered, but natural, cultural and social functions and processes continue albeit in a modified way. O High: Natural, cultural and social functions and processes are altered to extent that they temporarily cease. O Very High: Natural, cultural and social functions and processes are altered to extent that they permanently cease. Probability: Describes the likelihood of an impact occurring: O Improbable: Likelihood of the impact materialising is very low O Possible: The impact may occur O Highly Probable: Most likely that the impact will occur O Definite: Impact will certainly occur Significance: Based on the above criteria the significance of issues was determined. The total number of points scored for each impact indicates the level of significance of the impact, and is rated as: O Low: the impacts are less important. O Medium: the impacts are important and require attention; mitigation is required to reduce the negative impacts. O High: the impacts are of great importance. Mitigation is therefore crucial. Cumulative: In relation to an activity, means the impact of an activity that may not be significant but may become significant when added to the existing and potential impacts eventuating from similar or diverse activities or undertakings in the area. Mitigation: Mitigation for significant issues is incorporated into the EMP. 6.2. Criteria for Rating of Impacts Table 2: Criteria for rating of impacts Criteria for the rating of impacts Criteria Description Extent National Regional Local Site Duration Permanent Long-term Medium-term Short- term Intensity Very high High Moderate Low Probability Definite Highly probable Possible Improbable Points allocation 4 3 2 1 Significance Rating of classified impacts Impact Point Description s Low 4-6 A low impact has no permanent impact of significance. Mitigation measures are feasible and are readily instituted as part of a standing design, construction or operating procedure. Medium 7-9 Mitigation is possible with additional design and construction inputs. High 10 The design of the site may be affected. Mitigation and possible remediation are 1 2 needed during the construction and/or operational phases. The effects of the impact may affect the broader environment. Very high 13- The design of the site may be affected. Mitigation and possible remediation are 14

Criteria for the rating of impacts 1 needed during the construction and/or operational phases. The effects of the 6 impact may affect the broader environment. Status Perceived effect of the impact Positive (+) Beneficial impact Negative (-) Adverse impact Negative impacts are shown with a (-) while positive ones are indicated as (+) 6.3. Assessment of Impacts As the assessment relates to the amendment application, the identification and assessment of impacts focuses mainly on new impacts or those considered different to the impacts assessed during the initial application process. Therefore, this assessment must be read in conjunction with the assessments undertaken during the initial application process. Pre-construction impacts are similar to those that would have resulted from the implementation of the authorised activity. Therefore, except where emphasis is placed on particular impacts, no additional assessment was done for this application. 6.3.1 Pre-Construction phase Table 3: Potential impacts and mitigation measures during the pre-construction phase Aspect/impact Significance Mitigation and Management Measures before mitigation PERMIT REQUIREMENTS Non-compliance with legislative and policy requirements Fauna and Flora search All permits and legal requirements and policy directives must be complied with as required by authorities. Environmental induction for all construction staff on site to ensure that basic environmental principles are adhered to. A health and safety plan is to be developed prior to the commencement of construction to identify and avoid work related accidents. A search and rescue operation from sensitive flora and fauna to be carried out before commencement of construction. Significance after mitigation 15

6.3.2 Construction phase Table 4: Potential impacts and mitigation measures during the construction phase Significance Mitigation and Management Measures Aspect/impact before mitigation SITE ESTABLISHMENT Site demarcation The Contractor shall erect and maintain permanent and/ or temporary fences around the construction site. The construction camp, material stores and lay-down areas should be screened and sited as far as possible from the local roads. Site access/routes Poor control of vehicular movement and management of edge effects leading to impacts on environment Impact on sensitive area Disturbed areas rather than pristine or intact landscape areas should preferably be used for the construction camp The Contractor shall restrict all his activities, materials, equipment and personnel to within the area specified The main access points on the project site must be clearly signposted and delivery areas must be communicated to all suppliers and sub-contractors. Movement of all vehicles to remain on designated routes. The vehicles shall not exceed a speed of 40 km/h on gravel or earth roads on Site. No parking of construction vehicles along Simon Mahlangu or van Ryeneveld Avenue thereby compromising vehicular movement along these routes. The sensitive areas as indicated on Fig 4 must be fenced off and access control must be implemented. The only access includes maintenance and/or emergency incidents. Culverts underneath the access road should be provided to facilitate safe movement of small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and terrestrial pollinators as well as to facilitate drainage from the rocky outcrop. Underpasses should be accessible to maintenance staff and should be cleared of accumulated material at least at the start of each rainy season. It is important that fauna be deterred from the road surface by putting up a barrier along either side of the road section passing through the sensitive area. Natural vegetation along the movement corridor must be retained to provide temporary shelter. No strong lighting should be used in close proximity to the corridor and culverts. Alien invasive vegetation must be managed and/removed on site as per specialist recommendations. It is recommended that a site specific Alien Invasive Species Plan be commissioned for the effective eradication and management of invasive species. Significance after mitigation 16

Aspect/impact Ablution facilities Inadequate and/or poorly positioned facilities leading to limited use Release of odours as a result of the chemical toilets on site. Vegetation clearance Loss of species diversity and habitat characteristics affecting pollinators, Significance before mitigation Mitigation and Management Measures An Ecological Management Plan must be compiled for the open space area and should include: o Firebreak and burning regime o Access control o Environmental Awareness Plan The Contractor shall provide suitable sanitary arrangements at the Contractor s Camp and approved points around the designated work area to allow easy access to all employees on site. The Contractor shall keep the toilets in a clean, neat and hygienic condition. Toilets are to be emptied prior to builders holidays and serviced once a week, to ensure that no odours originate from this source and to ensure hygienic conditions for employees. Vegetation clearance should preferably be phased rather than clearing of the entire site at once. Removal of vegetation should be kept to a minimum, and cleared areas must be re-vegetated after clean-up. Removal of invasive alien plant species must be in accordance with Alien Invasive Management Plan. Significance after mitigation 6.3.3 Operational phase Table 5: Potential impacts during operational phase Aspect/impact Significance before mitigation Mitigation and Management Measures FAUNA AND FLORA AND OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT Loss of Fauna and Flora General human interference and impact leading to loss of species diversity and habitat characteristics Lack of upkeep of the open space area Areas that are bare need to be revegetated with indigenous vegetation to prevent encroachment by alien invasive plant species. The site is to be kept clear of invasive alien vegetation species, in line with the Alien Invasive Management Plan. The use of pesticides and herbicides is to be limited to a bare minimum and are to be strictly controlled, and limited to only biodegradable, natural substances. Maintain indigenous vegetation community on the Project Site wherever possible. The entire south-western corner of the property must be rehabilitated to return the area to a more natural condition free Significance after mitigation 17

Aspect/impact leading to degradation and unkempt area Significance before mitigation Mitigation and Management Measures of alien and invasive vegetation and less desirable grassland species. In order to protect this area, the proponent will: - Fence off the area with a palisade fence, - Develop and implement a detailed rehabilitation plan for the open space area; - Ensure that funding and other resources are available to manage the area as integral part of the development; - Have sufficient fire management infrastructure present to prevent excessive fire damage; and - The overall management of the area must be overseen by an appropriately qualified individual. Culverts must be maintained to ensure that they are not clogged and thus not serve their intended purpose. Significance after mitigation 7.0. AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPR Except for the need to include the upkeep and maintenance of the open space area, no further changes to the EMPr are deemed necessary. 8.0. CONCLUSION Having assessed the site and considered the findings of three separate ecologists, it has been shown that although the site is located in an area defined as a CBA important area: The Rocky outcrop is not a ridge as per GDARDs policy. Not the entire rocky outcrop vegetation is sensitive. No red data species were found during the ecological assessments. Indiscriminate illegal dumping and infestation by alien species continue to cause degradation on site. The site is ecologically isolated, is not linked to any important ecological corridor and is enclosed by major roads. As part of the development, the connectivity with the sensitive area will be kept by means of culverts under the road and extended around the rocky outcrop. The rocky outcrop area has been largely kept and the development respects the intact grassland areas. The amended sensitivity map indicated as figure 4 applicable to this amendment must be considered for approval. Considering that the development affects an area whose vegetation is largely degraded, the proposed project will not have significant negative impacts on the ecological environment as previously thought. Further, acceding to the development of the shopping centre will contribute to the economy of the area by creating numerous job 18

opportunities during the construction and operation phases and will benefit the local community, local authority and the Gauteng Province. 19

9.0 REFERENCES 1. City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (2017). 2018/19 Integrated Development Plan. City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality 2. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (2014). Environmental Management Framework Report. Gauteng 3. Galago Environmental (2018). Ridge and Flora Assessment. 4. Scientific Aquatic Services (2018). Open Space and Sensitive Area Assessment as Part of the Environmental Authorisation and Water Use Authorisation Process for the Erasmuskloof Retail Centre Development Area. 5. Interdesign Landscape Architects (2018). Clarification on the Appeal Decision for the proposed Erasmus Park Township Development. 20

Annexure 1: Locality Map 21

Annexure 2: Environmental Authorisations Environmental Authorisation Appeal Decision 22

Annexure 3: Layout Plans Original Layout Plan Proposed Layout Plan 23

Annexure 4: Open Space & Sensitive Area Assessment Report 24

Annexure 5: Ridge and Flora Assessment 25

Annexure 6: EMPr NIL 26