COUNCILLORS refused development approval for a child care centre in Greenfields at Tuesday’s meeting, citing concerns of it being incompatible for the area.
With a gallery full of residents against the proposed centre at 1 Candelo Loop, Greenfields, councillors went against City of Mandurah officers’ recommendation to approve the development due to noise, traffic and parking issues.
“The traffic will be a lot greater than forecasted here [in the report],” councillor David Schumacher said.
The City report stated the centre would lead to a 0.6 per cent rise in traffic which was “considered to be adequate to accommodate the additional traffic generated”.
There was question of whether this estimate was for the adjoining Lakes Road rather than Candelo Loop.
Councillors cited an estimated 30 per cent rise in traffic for Candelo Loop.
The child care centre, which would have had a maximum of 33 children on site, proposed 12 car bays, which exceeded the City requirement of one bay per five children.
However, after hearing seven deputations from the public, councillors felt this wouldn’t be enough during drop-off and pick-up times.
“The last business who operated in the area parked on both sides of the road, making it hazardous to get into our driveway,” N Wilson said in a deputation.
“I feel a childcare centre only 10 metres from the intersection would be a hazard to the intersection,” K Mears said in her deputation.
“The report assured residents that there would be minimum impact and there would be enough parking on the site.
“I say this isn’t possible.”
Cr Ron Wortley foreshadowed the City officers’ motion, recommending councillors refuse the development approval.
“The child care centre would have a detrimental impact on the amenity of adjacent residents as a result of potential noise from the outdoor play areas,” he said.
“The proposed development would be incompatible with its proposed setting and the relationship of the proposal to development on adjoining land.”
While councillors voted in favour of the foreshadowed motion, Mayor Marina Vergone noted as the development did meet the Town Planning Scheme requirements, “it may be out of our hands” in the long run.
