Heritage Cases

The area chosen by the applicants (see Figures 1 & 2) is a previously disturbed area adjacent to the present dirt track used for parking and access to the site. The area had been disturbed at some time in the past by the creation of this trackway. There are no archaeological or sites of significance at this specific location and it is more than forty meters from any known fossil bearing localities or caves. The area chosen also has the advantage of being adjacent to where vehicles are parked and offers a slight depression allowing us to set the proposed ablution block into the hill with minimal digging and impact on the Gladysvale site. This will allow us to hide the building in part from lateral view. It is proposed to use the roof of the structure as a viewing deck as it overlooks the Gladysvale valley and parts of the external excavation from a distance. It is proposed to cover the roof and viewing area with soil and grass, adding insulation, and further camouflaging the structure into the landscape. Local rocks and dirt will be packed around the sides and front to disguise the structure and allow it to blend into the environment (Figure 3). The septic tank and water tank are relatively small, and these will be buried to reduce visibility. We believe that the structure will impose minimal visual impact on the environment and improve health and safety at the site for researchers and visitors. The nature of the location ensures that any drainage will flow away from the underground system and the location is more than 720 meters from any water source. Building plans for the site are illustrated in the attached building plans. Construction will begin as soon as approval is gained as scientific work at the site cannot commence until the ablution block is finished and the site is made hygienic and safe.