The proposed childcare centre site on Railway Parade, Bassendean.
Camera IconThe proposed childcare centre site on Railway Parade, Bassendean. Credit: Supplied/Kristie Lim

Council calls for childcare centre refusal

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

BASSENDEAN Council has recommended a State Government panel refuse the development of a proposed childcare centre next to a liquor store.

The council unanimously voted for an alternate motion on October 15 to recommend the Metro Central Joint Development Assessment Panel reject Dynamic Planning and Development’s proposed childcare centre at 72 Railway Parade, Bassendean.

The vacant site, owned by Mark and Sandra Hammond, is next to BWS Bassendean and zoned as residential, with split residential codes of R20 (low density) and R40 (medium density).

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The proposed single-storey childcare would have 92 children and 16 staff, 32 car bays and operate between 7am to 6pm on weekdays and 8am to 1pm on Saturday.

Councillors believed the development did not align with the Town and State Government’s future intent and desire for mixed use development on the site, due to its close proximity to the Bassendean train station.

They also said the proposal was not consistent with principles of proper planning and it was not appropriate to build a childcare next to a liquor store.

BWS Bassendean on Railway Parade. Kristie Lim
Camera IconBWS Bassendean on Railway Parade. Kristie Lim Credit: Supplied/Kristie Lim

Mayor Renee McLennan said childcare was not ideal for the site because it was next to a liquor store, which was one of the “problem areas” in the community.

“Clearly our current planning document has this as a discretionary use and it is quite likely that JDAP will make their decision based on what our current planning documents say,” she said.

“I think advocating for our community is in the community’s best interest for different land uses to not be located in close proximity.”

Cr Kath Hamilton said the council should not predict the panel’s decision and it should always put forward arguments for better outcomes.

Cr Jai Wilson encouraged the owners to be patient with the Town in finding the best use of the land that also provided density and amenity.

The panel will make the final decision on October 28.

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