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Butler development parking poses problem for City of Wanneroo

Lucy JarvisNorth Coast Times

PARKING volumes and potential traffic congestion in a laneway caused the most concern over a Butler commercial development for City of Wanneroo councillors.

The council is scheduled to consider plans for a double-storey development on the corner of Kingsbridge and Marchwood boulevards tonight.

The owner, Yanchep 1 Developments, plans to build a medical centre and offices on the 1826sq m vacant block, with a childcare centre on the second storey.

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During public consultation in May-June, the City received eight submissions that all objected to the proposal, citing issues such as parking, suitability in a landmark site, increased traffic and access from Aberdar Lane.

At last week’s briefing session, discussion centred on access to the car park off Aberdar Lane and a shortfall in the number of parking bays required under the planning policy.

City planning implementation manager Pas Bracone said the proposed development would “contribute to the vitality” of the shopping strip.

Mr Bracone said there was an 11-bay shortfall in parking, but the amount of parking available in the broader area compensated for that and so staff recommended it be approved.

Councillor Sabine Winton said she had concerns about the development’s impact on residents whose garages led onto Aberdar Lane, as there had previously been access issues when supermarket delivery trucks blocked the lane.

Mr Bracone said since those issues were addressed at a site meeting between Coles representatives, City staff and residents in February, the City had not received complaints.

Cr Winton said parking was “at a premium” and a “huge problem” in the area, although the September council report said there were 460 existing bays, exceeding the 425 required.

“The Brighton Village Centre provides for communal parking areas, which are secured via easements over specified parking areas,” it said.

“The parking is intended to provide for the parking demand generated by the entire village centre, which includes the subject site.”

The report said Rangers had not received any complaints from the public or businesses about a lack of parking in the area.

Cr Samantha Fenn said she thought a multi-storey childcare centre was better suited to the Perth CBD.

“It’s a bit soon for us to be considering multi-storey childcare centres in an area where there is land to spare,” she said.

Cr Fenn also asked for more information about the screening proposed for the playground upstairs, saying she had safety concerns children could throw items over the barrier depicted or climb out.

Staff have recommended the council approve the development application with 16 construction and operational conditions at its September 13 meeting.

Previous development approvals for the site that had lapsed included a mixed use development with commercial tenancies, flats and a café in 2007, and a commercial development with offices, a restaurant and a shop in 2010.