Construction of a hotel on a vacant plot in the Bo-Kaap in Cape Town is to go ahead, but it will be three storeys lower than the original plan.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has confirmed the decision by the City of Cape Towns Municipal Planning Tribunal to approve the development on Buitengracht Street.
The original plan, for nine storeys, was opposed by residents of the historic suburb. The site is metres away from the Auwal Masjid, the oldest mosque and madrassah in South Africa, established in 1794.
Hill-Lewis said the Masjid was of profound heritage significance to all of Cape Town.