Hobsons Bay council has received 37 objections to a proposed three-level childcare centre at Newport.
Wilcon Projects applied to build a 112-place centre at 463-465 Melbourne Road, two allotments that currently have two single storey dwellings.
The proposal includes a rooftop playspace and a basement carpark with 24 spaces.
Residents have expressed concerns about increased traffic in Steele Street, where the centre’s entrance is proposed to be located.One parent wrote in her objection that the proposed entrance was opposite Sacred Heart Primary School.
“The traffic in Steele Street is extremely busy for a small residential street, which narrows to a laneway at one end,” she wrote.
“And the street is full of children … the very busy back entrance to Sacred Heart Primary is on Steele Street, immediately opposite the proposed development and proposed carpark entrance.
“The building marked as 5 Steele Street is the school’s multi-purpose hall, which is used for all school functions, as well as before and after school care.
“That means this is a very busy entrance to the school, especially by those collecting and dropping off by car every school day from 7.30am until 6.30pm, and later into the evening on the many school functions held in that hall.”
A report prepared by Wilcon Projects states the centre is expected to generate up to 90 vehicle movements during peak times.
“There is adequate capacity in the surrounding road network to cater for the traffic generated,” it states.
Wilcon director Kris Wilson did not address residents’ traffic concerns when questioned by Star Weekly.
He said the centre would be built, owned and operated by a group with more than 20 years experience in childcare development and operation.
“It will fill a clear and identified need whilst providing a net community benefit to the greater Hobsons Bay area,” Mr Wilson said.
The council has extended the deadline for submissions until this Friday.
