Epping childcare centre for 60 children rejected at Norfolk Rd

A 60-space childcare centre on Norfolk Rd in Epping has been rejected because of traffic concerns.

Janet McGarry, Margaret McCartney and Rodney Sheaves on Norfolk Rd in Epping after the childcare centre development was rejected at the site. Picture: Tim Pascoe

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Epping Civic Trust has welcomed a decision to reject plans for a 60-place childcare centre in a residental street.

In October, applicants listed as YXA Guo submitted plans with Parramatta Council for the centre with 15 car spaces to replace two houses at 21-23 Norfolk Rd.

There have been 20 submissions opposing plans including the trust and Parramatta Council objected to the removal of 21 trees.

21-23 Norfolk Rd in Epping has been rejected. The plans were submitted by YXA Guo.

They also feared the centre would create more traffic gridlock that is already gripping streets because Epping Public School is opposite the proposed childcare facility.

Resident Rodney Sheaves said Pembroke and Chester streets were already saturated and more traffic would threaten children’s safety.

Janet McGarry, Margaret McCartney and Rodney Sheaves discuss the thwarted plans. Picture: Tim Pascoe

He said the Norfolk Rd houses were not heritage listed but within East Epping Heritage Conservation Area.

The Parramatta Local Planning Panel rejected the matter last week after concerns about it being in a flood zone and traffic concerns.

Epping Civic Trust president Janet McGarry said it was one of four childcare centre applications planned for Epping in the past three months.

The plans would have removed 21 trees on the two lots.

“We are very happy it is being rejected,’’ she said. “We’re not against childcare centres … there are so many applications for these centres where there’s not high demand or they’re not appropriate.”

But she said she was wary the applicant might take the matter to the Land and Environment Court for approval.

“We are concerned the proponent will go straight to the Land and Environment Court without making changes,” Ms McGarry said.