01↗
Development feasibility
Understand the planning possibilities, constraints and likely approval path before committing to a property or design.
Start with clarityTown planning · Land use · Development applicationsEstablished 1996
Town planning, made clear
Every property has potential. The right application unlocks it.
Clear, experienced guidance through Cape Town's planning system—from early feasibility to final municipal decision.
Not sure what application you need?
Start with the property and the outcome you want. Mike can help define the route.
Planning is aboutpossibility
Working acrossGreater Cape Town
Cape Town photograph · Tobias Reich / Unsplash
1996Practice established
30 yrsLocal planning experience
1–1Direct senior attention
CTGreater Cape Town focus
What we do
From first question
to final decision.
Every site and ambition is different. The process starts by identifying the right planning route—then preparing a credible, complete application.
02↗
Rezoning applications
Motivated applications that align your intended land use with Cape Town’s planning framework and municipal process.
Change the use03↗
Subdivision & layout
Subdivision applications and practical layout guidance for residential, commercial and mixed-use opportunities.
Unlock land value04↗
Departures & consent use
Applications for departures from zoning provisions, Council consent and site development plan approval.
Resolve constraints05↗
Title deed restrictions
Removal or amendment of restrictive title deed conditions that stand between your property and its potential.
Clear the way06↗
Appeals & representation
Planning appeals, objections, liaison and constructive negotiation with municipal and provincial officials.
Navigate complexityA planning perspective
The unbuilt city.
Every erf holds more than its current footprint. Planning reveals the permissions, constraints and overlooked options that shape what can happen next.
Find the possibility in your property ↗
Explore a planning layerMove across the plan
FEAS / 01Read the siteConstraints become coordinates
Select a layer
Working acrossGreater Cape Town33.9249° S · 18.4241° E
Planning in context
The places planning makes possible.
From individual homes to precinct-scale change, good planning connects a property's ambition with the city around it.
Illustrative stock imagery for this website concept—replace with M. A. Smith project photography before final launch.
Photography: Jade York, Filipe Nobre, Sophie de Klerk & Amy Harrison / Unsplash.
How it works
A steady hand through a complex process.
Planning decisions affect land value, design and time. You deserve advice that is candid, considered and easy to act on.
Start with a conversation →Assess
Review the property, intended outcome and applicable planning controls.
Prepare
Define the application strategy and coordinate the information required.
Submit
Compile a clear motivation and lodge a complete application with Council.
Navigate
Liaise with officials, address queries and keep the matter moving forward.
About the practice
Local knowledge.
Personal attention.
M. A. Smith is an independent Cape Town town planning practice led by Michael “Mike” Smith.
Since establishing the practice in 1996, Mike has worked across a wide range of property and development matters. Clients benefit from direct access to an experienced planner, pragmatic advice and a thorough understanding of local authority processes.
Where required, the practice coordinates with land surveyors and other built-environment professionals to assemble the right team for the application.
Email Mike directly ↗Client perspective
Good planning starts
with good communication.
Sample testimonials for layout—replace with verified client feedback before launch.
“Mike made a complicated rezoning process understandable from day one. We always knew what was needed and what would happen next.
“Practical advice, prompt communication and a clear motivation that helped us move the project forward with confidence.
“The feasibility input saved us from making an expensive assumption before purchase. That first conversation was invaluable.
Common questions
Before we begin.
Not sure what kind of application you need? That is exactly where the conversation can start.
When should I speak to a town planner?+
Ideally, before you buy, design or submit. An early feasibility review can identify zoning, title deed and policy constraints before they become expensive surprises.
Can you tell me what is possible on my property?+
Yes. A feasibility assessment considers the property’s zoning, development rules, title deed conditions and relevant planning policy, then outlines a realistic way forward.
Do you handle the application from start to finish?+
The service can cover the full process: scoping, coordinating supporting inputs, preparing the motivation, submission, municipal liaison and responding to planning queries.
How long does a planning application take?+
Timing depends on the application type, advertising requirements, objections and municipal workload. After an initial review, Mike can explain the likely process and key dependencies for your case.
Start here
What would you like to do with your property?
Share the basics and your email app will open with a ready-to-send enquiry to Mike.