The Plan Specialist

17/08/2026

Lots of our clients are installing solar panels and home power generation systems, batteries, inverters etc, and obviously it is important to get certificates of compliance from the contractor supplying and installing.
but it is equally important to make sure your house insurance is updated so insurer is aware of this. Although the technology constantly improves and becomes safer, there have been instances where fires have been traced back to issues with these installations.
it would be devastating to lose your home and find the insurance company has a reason not to pay.
Often the inverters etc are fitted in the garage, and there are regulations about the separation between house and garage, and neighbours, there should be a fire barrier ( solid wall for instance ) up to underside of roofs and this gives you some protection, but better safe than sorry.

26/03/2026

blimey, who knew US / Israel / middle east conflict could come up so quickly and have such an impact all over the world. Fuel price is a worry - I can actually remember the 1973 embargo, solutions at the time where, a don't drive, and b, don't fill up your tank, because the extra weight means you use more petrol.
Personally I have filled up the car and replaced my empty gas bottles before an increase hits next wednesday, but
be aware of what a big fuel price increase can do to building cost. Obviously most building materials are in bulk, heavy, and will require delivery to merchant and then to your site. This will kick in quickly, so budget for a contingency until this settles down.
best wishes, David

13/01/2026

Gotta love the CoCT planning department, a maids quarters is no longer a maids quarters or even a domestic quarters . it is now a " supplementary Dwelling unit "

29/12/2025

For anybody affected by current water outages in our area

12/12/2025

The Plan Specialist team will be taking a break after what seems to have been the busiest year ever.
Our thanks to all friends, family, neighbours, clients and colleagues for your support this year, and best wishes to you all, as well as to those we haven't met yet - 2026 I am sure will be another milestone year.
we will be back and ready for the new year from 8th Jan, but, in our position, the work never really stops so we will be monitoring e mails, and applications in progress from time to time over the holidays - if you need to grab our attention, e mail to [email protected] and we will do our best respond within a couple of days.
Happy Christmas from the team, David🎅 Laura 🤶& Matthew 🧑‍🎄

30/10/2025

After a typical mid year quiet period, work is definitely ramping up towards the year end ! October almost done now and resulted in 15 building plan approvals, and 18 new applications submitted. Typically we average about 120 building plan approvals a year, which is one every three days or so.
Wouldn't be possible to keep this up without the team, Laura and Matthew making this possible. We currently have about a 2 - 3 week lead time to starting the next new thing, so still some capacity for additional work to be done and submitted before we close.
We are genuinely local residential specialists limiting our work to the Milnerton to Melkbos areas, so we can maintain our service levels and stay efficient. Give us a call if we can help you !

01/10/2025

hi all - see attached link to a survey canvassing opinion as to whether we should have a Table View City Improvement District. Seems a good thing to me given the general degradation of our area recently, but whether you are for it or against it, please express your opinion. Thanks. David

Dear Community Member, We are embarking on an exciting initiative to enhance the quality of life in our community through the establishment of a City Improvement District (CID) for the greater table view area. This initiative aims to address key issues in urban management, including public safety, c...

29/05/2025

Link to revised CoCT rates calculator for existing vs new rates charges. My increase now 17% where before was 29%. Should I be pleased ?
If you want to check yours have a rates account handy for property valuation etc.

https://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/rtcalc/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKk3mVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHt4ZGwLRQICn8mHHCeFUgFjYYP8n4JvHCyVqD98qAvt6bkucdqIwRX_geZL0_aem_BvM1ahVo-0U9XV2pZAQL_Q

The rates and tariffs calculator estimates monthly rates and tariffs based on numerous factors, including property size, water consumption, electricity consumption and refuse collection.

19/05/2025

Make sure you update your e mail and
Cellphone numbers on city records. If these are not up to date, the plans system does not allow submission of plans until updated !