THE Town of Victoria Park will tell Ursula Frayne Catholic College to stop using a Teague Street property for carparking after rejecting the school’s application for retrospective approval.
Residents raised concerns about the school’s plans to use 20 Teague Street for temporary parking for its builders while its new science facility was being constructed.
The school was seeking retrospective approval after previously laying down a limestone base and allowing use of the site without permission from the council.
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READ NOWSeveral councillors spoke at Tuesday’s meeting about how the carpark would affect the amenity of the street and the impacts on residents.
Town of Victoria Park chief executive Anthony Vuleta said the council would write to the school asking them to cease using the property for parking and to remove the crushed limestone surface.
Principal Geoff Mills told the Southern Gazette last month that the school’s long-term plans were to create two “green spaces” after it purchased four properties on Teague Street over a number of years.
Speaking after the decision, he said the school accepted the decision, although he was surprised because the recommendation for the temporary carpark came from the council’s planning department.
“However, we appreciate that due process was followed and, in this case, we accept the ruling,” he said.
“Whilst the college has a right to appeal, and there is a belief we have a strong case, there will be no appeal lodged nor will alternative plans for a temporary car parking space be submitted,” he said.
He said as the builders could not utilise overflow carpark space, there was potential for traffic and parking to be an issue at peak times around the school.
“Keeping in mind, the parking issue is only during school terms and not during holiday periods,” he said.
“The college will need to enter into further conversation with the builder regarding their needs and evaluate any possible alternatives.”
Mr Mills said the decision would not impact the school’s long-term vision for green spaces on Teague Street.
Teague Street resident Rowena Holland said she was very pleased with the council’s decision.
“I hope the school now works with residents in a more consultative way,” she said.
“We would prefer a green space because it’s better than the dust that comes from the car park but we do have some reservations.
“The space looks large enough to be a playing field and if you have 200 kids at lunch playing, I don’t think that’s a good outcome for residents.
“I think the optimal solution would be to turn it back into residential houses.”
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