Construction of Oxford Freshmarket given green light

The green light comes a decade after Oxford bought the land. 

According to the company's CEO Brett Latimer there were a number of hurdles, including a charge for destroying coastal grassland dug up by their contractors.

He took to social media several days ago to air his frustration on the drawn out process, claiming that EDTEA has been holding back the R250 million project. 

This morning, the department, Oxford management and the Environmental Management Inspectors met outside the 2.2 hectares site. 

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Environmental Management Inspector Dr Bonginkosi Dlamini says in the past they've had engaged with Oxford to ensure they complied with the law but there were issues.

"Whilst in the meeting discussing that we were then informed that there was no willingness to continue with the 24G. This is where the problem started. We then started to argue."

MEC Sibonisa Duma says the project must go on.

"There was an understanding that initially Mr Brett had a tiff with certain environmentalists, we had to come in. From now onwards, we've agreed and reached a consensus, all these three teams must meet. The project must proceed but monitor everything for the issue of compliance, but we are comfortable that we have reached that analysis."  

Latimer says while he is happy with the resolution, he still has reservations.

"If it’s unconditional we can go ahead, and the 24G is removed, and the compliance notice is removed, and we get that documentation in writing so that I'm not compromised."