McGREGOR BUILDING GUIDELINES
DESIGN INDICATORS FOR A HERITAGE SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENT
PRESERVING McGREGOR’S SENSE-OF-PLACE
In terms of architectural heritage, McGregor boasts a high concentration of mid-19th century vernacular cottages, built using local materials, which greatly contribute to its unique sense-of-place. These Cape Vernacular (thatch roofed) and Karoo Vernacular (flat roof corrugated iron) cottages are simple, modest, and unadorned. The McGregor Heritage Society (MHS) is a local non-profit conservation body whose intended purpose is to ensure that the cultural legacy of McGregor’s tangible and intangible heritage is protected and enhanced. We welcome engagement from members of the community to discuss design ideas when alterations and/or additions to existing buildings, and/or to construct new buildings within the existing environment are being considered. The role of the McGregor Building Guidelines is not to hinder contemporary architecture, development, or progression of the village, but is instead there to offer professional guidance so that there is little to no negative impact on the existing built environment.
Please see the Downloads Tab for a downloadable copy of the McGregor Building Guidelines
PLANNING APPLICATION PROCESSES
STEPS TO FOLLOW
HERITAGE - STRUCTURES OLDER THAN 60 YEARS
For ANY interior or exterior alterations, additions and maintenance repair work to structures older than 60 years of age, and prior to submitting building plans to Langeberg Municipality, a building permit application to Heritage Western Cape (HWC) must be made. The MHS must be approached to provide comments to accompany the HWC application. The MHS can advise on the permit application procedure noted below. Once the permit has been obtained, one may proceed with submission to Langeberg Municipality for building plan approval.
1. Custodian wishes to alter a heritage property older than 60 years
2. Custodian is recommended to consult an appropriate architectural professional
3. Building plan proposal is submitted to the McGregor Heritage Society (MHS) for assessment – comment issued
4. Permit application is submitted to Heritage Western Cape (HWC) for approval
5. HWC stamped building plans, HWC permit and MHS comment are submitted to the Langeberg Municipality
6. Langberg Municipality either Approves or Disapproves the building plan proposal
NON-HERITAGE - NEW STRUCTURES & STRUCTURES LESS THAN 60 YEARS
For any new buildings and any interior or exterior alterations and additions to strucutres under 60 years of age, building plans must be submitted to the Langeberg Municipality, who may circulate the plans to the McGregor Aesthetics Committee (MAC) for assessment and comment. The MAC assists the council in terms of safeguarding McGregor's unique sense-of-place in terms of its heritage sensitive built environment, and makes the assessments in terms of the McGregor Building Guidelines, the Langeberg Planning By Laws and the National Building Regulations.
1. Custodian wishes to alter a property less than 60 years of age, or construct a new building
2. Custodian is recommended to consult an appropriate architectural professional
3. Building plans are submitted to the Langeberg Municipality for assessment
4. Building plans are circulated to the McGregor Aesthetic Committee (MAC) for comment
5. Langberg Municipality either Approves or Disapproves the building plan application
THE REGULATORY CONTEXT
All new buildings and any alterations and additions to existing buildings, require building plan approval from the Langeberg Municipality. This includes internal changes as well as relatively minor works such as boundary walls and carports. Additionally, should the structure be older than 60 years or a Provincial Heritage Site (PHS) (the former national monument), a permit is required from Heritage Western Cape (HWC) in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act No 25 of 1999 (NHRA), prior to submitting plans for building plan approval.
The McGregor Heritage Society (MHS) is a conservation body registered with HWC and is required to be consulted on all heritage permit applications.
NPO REGISTRATION : 097-978-NPO
HERITAGE WESTERN CAPE REGISTRATION : HWC/RCB/09/05
ASSOCIATE MEMBER HASA
The McGregor Aesthetics Committee (a municipal body with local representation) assesses building plan proposals for alterations and additions to all buildings regardless of their age as well as all new building proposals. Both the MHS and the McGregor Aesthetics Committee follow a set of design guidelines to ensure that the character of McGregor is appropriately considered and protected whilst still allowing for contemporary development.
GENERAL CONSERVATION PRINCIPLES
All repairs and alterations to buildings in McGregor must take the heritage significance and the character of the environs into account.
To preserve our built environment for future generations, the following are recommended;
Conservation Principles
Understand the architectural period that a building relates to
Understand the typical characteristics that make it authentic, unique and special
Accept that past buildings were designed in different times, and certain aspects of a modern lifestyle might not be possible in a heritage property
Accept that a certain level of responsibility comes with the custodianship of a heritage home, and that removing its authenticity denies that to future generations.
Repairs
Only replace fittings, fixtures and finishes when it is necessary
Materials and finishes should be repaired and replaced on a like-for-like basis
Additional/new materials should be natural and authentic, not faux or a pastiche version of historic materials
New layers should read as new layers.
All new buildings should be contemporary insertions that relate to the heritage context of McGregor.
In all instances, the McGregor Heritage Society can be consulted at an early stage for appropriate advice and guidance and is open to design discussions with other registered architectural professionals.
Please contact the MHS for further input and advice, alternatively, please refer to the McGregor Building Guidelines booklet for more in-depth information.
USEFUL CONTACTS
Langeberg Municipality:
McGregor Heritage Society:
mcgregorheritagesociety@gmail.com
Heritage Western Cape: