The location of the proposed childcare centre.
Camera IconThe location of the proposed childcare centre. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

City of Wanneroo to rule on childcare centre at residential address

Laura PondWanneroo Times

COUNCILLORS will decide whether to approve a childcare centre in residential Wanneroo at Tuesday night’s meeting.

The owners of a Bamboore Crescent property applied to the City of Wanneroo last October to change their home to a childcare centre.

They propose to accommodate a maximum of 30 children and four staff, with 10 carparking bays located within the 827sq m lot.

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A report by the City said 32 out of the 33 submissions received during public consultation in March objected to the proposal and a petition with 65 signatures against it was also received.

The main issues related to variations to planning requirements, increase in traffic and noise, carparking provision and the centre’s appropriateness within the area.

The report said while the application could be considered for approval, it should be refused for several reasons, including because of insufficient lot size and no accommodation for a 3m landscaping strip, which “would impact on the amenity of the streetscape”.

It also found the carpark layout did not provide “safe vehicle manoeuvring” and though traffic would not exceed the desired volume range under Main Roads’ functional road hierarchy, it would result in a greater amount of traffic than a residential dwelling, therefore impacting the amenity of the area.

City planning implementation manager Pas Bracone told councillors at last Tuesday’s briefing session that despite being recommended for refusal, the application was not rare.

“Childcare centres within residential areas are not uncommon and many are operating within the City,” he said.

Mr Bracone said the applicant would provide a slightly amended proposal prior to the meeting but did not believe it would change the City’s recommendation.