Merrylands: 56-place Childcare centre proposed for 11 Hilltop Rd

A heritage-listed house in Sydney’s west could be converted into a childcare centre for more than 50 children but opposition is mounting against the plans.

11 Hilltop Rd, Merrylands.

• Why 24-hour gym was dumped at Pendle Hill
• The hottest sandwiches in Parra

A heritage-listed house at Merrylands could be converted into a 56-place childcare centre but opposition is mounting against the plans, with opponents citing complaints over landscaping, noise and traffic congestion.

An application under the name J.Khouri to make alterations and fit out Burda, the federation bungalow cottage at 11 Hilltop Rd for a childcare centre, has been lodged.

Cumberland Council’s local planning panel rejected the original proposal for a 70-place childcare centre with 22 parking spaces in December because it failed to preserve the abode’s heritage significance with that number of children.

The development will include transplanting a palm tree.

The childcare centre will have capacity for almost 60 children.

The scaled back works include 14 less children and 20 car spaces on the 1948sq m site.

Public feedback attracted 10 submissions including a petition.

The applicant submitted revised refurbished works that maintain heritage including the removal of some walls, the installation of partition walls to create rooms and adding ramp access to the back veranda with balustrades to match the existing building.

The planners representing the applicant also agreed to retain one of the phoenix palm trees at the front yard when the panel objected to the number of parking spaces.

The planners also defended concerns that the childcare centre would spark more traffic congestion on Hilltop Rd, saying the extra traffic would be minimal and it complied with parking requirements.

A median island will be constructed on Hilltop Rd to restrict right turn movements into the property.

An artist impression the childcare centre’s backyard.

The applicant said the proposal would provide a positive outcome for the community.

“Furthermore, the current application does not have an adverse impact on surrounding properties in terms of noise, traffic or visual privacy as addressed previously.’’

The centre was rejected last year because of the number of children.

Subject to approval, the centre will operate Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm and will include 28 places for children aged three to five, 20 for two to three-year-olds and eight spots for those under two.

The council’s local planning panel is due to reassess the plans on November 11 and has recommended it be approved.