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City of Vincent defers Summers St day care proposal decision

Julian WrightEastern Reporter

CITY of Vincent council deferred a ruling on a proposed day care centre on Summers Street, Perth over traffic and parking concerns.

The contentious proposal sought a change of use for a duplex from group dwelling to community use to allow for the centre, which would cater for 68 children and about 18 staff members.

Councillors acknowledged the growing demand for day care centres in the area, but also challenged the parking situation, which had a shortfall.

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Councillor Susan Gontaszewski said she had mixed feelings over the proposal.

“It’s great, the area has a growing need for a centre and it would be a benefit to the site,” she said.

“My concerns are regarding the safety and congestion issues; I don’t feel I can support this.”

Cr Jimmy Murphy said he believed the centre would not greatly impact traffic.

“I don’t believe it would have a huge impact on traffic or on the neighbours,” he said.

Cr Emma Cole noted the Public Transport Authority’s (PTA) comment on the application, which expressed “serious concern” about children possibly stepping out in front of buses.

“The PTA expressed concerns of safety because buses travel in this area,” she said.

Mayor John Carey said councillors should not ignore the PTA’s comments, as it would be hard to get comment from the authority.

It is the second proposed day care centre within the City that has caused concerns over its design.

Without an alternative motion to the agenda recommendation, which was to refuse the application, it was agreed to defer it until the next council meeting.

A petition with 674 signatures against a proposed early learning centre on Angove Street, North Perth was tabled, with concerns about its “serious safety risk for children, parents and grandparents” and that it “destroys the amenity of the local precinct”.

Albert Street resident Mary McHenry, who appeared in the Guardian Express on June 28, has campaigned against the proposal.