Hated Brisbane childcare project to go ahead after two-year fight
A two-year, pitched battle to stop a childcare centre which opponents say is a danger to life will go ahead.
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A controversial unit and childcare project on busy Richmond Rd in Morningside will go ahead after an agreement was struck between Council and the developer.
The proposal was rejected by Brisbane City Council in October, 2018, leading Cr Kara Cook to hail the decision as a win for residents.
But Cr Cook said Council recently reached a “mediated outcome’’ in the Planning & Environment Court, which she claimed was almost identical to the plans rejected two years ago.
City Planning chair, Krista Adams denied her claim and said a number of changes were made including reducing the bulk of the building and the number of apartments.
Cr Cook said the project, on a bend in one of Morningside’s busiest streets, risked the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists and would place even more pressure on street parking.
“Council has negotiated a settlement. It’s one thing to take it to court and fight all the way, but this is something else,’’ she said.
“The plans remain very, very similar to what was rejected by Council.
“I can see barely any changes, only to the driveway and a fence.
“Concerns about the height being above 9.5m, non-compliant setbacks and the 57 per cent site cover, which exceeds the allowable 45 per cent, have not been addressed.
“One of the biggest concerns, though, is traffic.
“That particular bend has had a lot of accidents and illegally parked cars don’t help (with visibility).
“What this decision will mean is bringing in more people, when the Morningside train station park n ride and surrounding streets are usually full by 7am or 7.30am.’’
Cr Cook said there did not appear to be a demonstrated need for the childcare component, as another centre catering for 120 children had recently been built less than 500m away.
The 2-8 Richmond Rd project would have 115 places plus 15 residential units built above it.
Council originally listed 47 reasons for refusing the proposed development, including excessive site coverage and the proposed building’s height.
It also identified the site was a poor location for a large childcare centre.
Cr Adams (LNP) said she had never seen Cr Cook (ALP) say anything positive about the building and construction industry, which was the second highest employer in Brisbane.
“As part of the appeal process, Council is bound to respect the opinion of independent experts during mediation,’’ Cr Adams said.
“Several changes have been made to the original proposal, including reducing the building height, apartment numbers, and bulk and scale of the building.
“Landscaping along the front of the property was improved and carparking numbers remain compliant with the planning scheme.
“In 2017, Council responded to residents’ concerns in the area by implementing a left-turn only to and from the section of road off the Richmond Rd/Waminda St bend.’’