Plumtree Town Council has banned the use of unregulated natural stone and building aggregates in construction projects within the town, citing the need to preserve the town’s character, protect the environment and maintain building standards.
The directive, which takes effect on 30 November 2026, applies to property owners, developers, architects, engineers and building contractors undertaking construction work in Plumtree.
In a notice issued on Thursday, Town Secretary Thembelani Nyoní said the council was exercising its statutory planning and development-control powers to regulate the materials used in construction.
“Council, in the exercise of its statutory planning and development-control functions, is mandated to restrict the use of natural unregulated aggregates in any construction works within the Plumtree Town area,” Nyoní said.
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Nyoni said the measure was intended to promote “orderly and harmonious development”, preserve the character and visual amenity of Plumtree, maintain appropriate building standards and protect the town’s environmental and natural resources.
The decision is being implemented with reference to Section 75(1)(d) of the Regional Town and Country Planning Act [Chapter 29:12], which empowers planning authorities to regulate, among other things, the materials that may be used in building construction.
He said developers must also ensure that all construction works comply with applicable Model Building By-Laws, approved building plans, planning and other requirements imposed by the local authority.
Council further cited the Plumtree Town (Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation) By-Laws, S.I. 98 of 2025, which provide for the conservation and protection of natural resources and the environment within the council’s jurisdiction.
Under the new directive, all aggregates used for construction after 30 November must be sourced from accredited suppliers and collected only from designated points.
“Accordingly, with effect from 30 November 2026, no development shall make use of natural aggregates. All aggregates used for construction works shall require receipts from accredited suppliers, and collected from designated points only,” the council said.
It warned that failure to comply with the directive would attract penalties.
The move places an obligation on developers and construction professionals to verify the source of aggregates used on building sites and retain receipts as proof that the materials were obtained from approved suppliers.
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