Green Scorpions target motocross track
The owner of a controversial motocross track between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna has been told to stop clearing indigenous vegetation without permission.
The Green Scorpions investigating the Harper’s Creek track near the edge of Harkerville forest have served owner-manager Brent Harper with a notice under the National Environmental Management Act (Nema).
Clearing indigenous vegetation requires authorisation under the Act.
GroundUp reports that Harper must also submit a rehabilitation plan to the Western Cape’s Department of Environmental Affairs & Development Planning for approval.
Harper was previously forced to apply for a special ‘consent use’ in terms of Bitou Municipality’s local zoning scheme because his property is zoned for agriculture and was being used unlawfully for other purposes without permission from the municipality.
This application will be decided by the Bitou Municipality Planning Tribunal at an as yet unknown date.
Harper paid R3.2m for the property in 2021 and transfer took place in 2022.
Since then, Google Earth images reveal significant changes at Harper’s Creek and its Facebook page lists a motocross track, EnduroX track, Enduro loop, kids’ track and camping grounds on the property.
The Facebook category is given as ‘Race Track’.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
