North Parramatta: 52 Belmore Street childcare centre proposed

A double-storey childcare centre slated for North Parramatta has been labelled a contentious development by MP Geoff Lee.

There are plans to demolish this house at 52 Belmore St North Parramatta and build a childcare centre. Picture: Google Maps

A double-storey childcare centre proposed for 52 Belmore St at North Parramatta has been labelled a contentious development by MP Geoff Lee but the development is closer to getting final approval.

The facility would house 81 children on a 1092sq m site where a bungalow now stands. The centre would have a 22-space basement carpark and is zoned in a low-density neighbourhood.

Parramatta Local Planning Panel this week considered the Magneta’s application which received 14 submissions, including two petitions, following concerns over increased traffic congestion, safety fears, the size, loss of privacy, an excess of local childcare centres and it being out of character with the area.

There are plans to demolish this house at 52 Belmore St North Parramatta and build a childcare centre for 81 children instead. Picture: Google Maps

Four people who spoke at the public forum all objected to the plans.

Mr Lee, the Parramatta state Liberal MP, said it was a significant project in a quiet suburban street that was already suffering under development pressures.

“As the state local member for this area, this is very contentious and there many residents in the area opposed to it, many come and see me,’’ he said.

“For the size of 80-odd children, indeed it will have a negative impact on the area considering the width of the road and the amount of traffic that’s already experienced on that road.’’

Mr Lee said there were enough childcare centres nearby and a 22-space carpark was insufficient given half would be occupied by staff.

Parramatta state Liberal MP Geoff Lee spoke against the childcare centre. Picture: Joel Carrett

Resident Dennis Stojanovski said he was concerned about vulnerable people’s safety declining.

“My wife’s blind and at the moment it’s unsafe for disabled persons like my wife in the area to manoeuvre around,’’ he said.

“I’m just really worried about my wife getting hit by a car.’’

However, the panel unanimously approved the application, subject to conditions of consent.

That included recommending start and finish times be staggered start and finish times to quell traffic congestion.

Magneta’s response in council documents said a traffic assessment report was submitted with the development application and demonstrated that the proposed traffic impacts were acceptable.

“Council’s traffic and transport engineer has reviewed the application and traffic reports submitted and raises no objection to the approval of this application subject to conditions of consent relating to traffic management.’’

Magneta had also amended original plans including a reduction of occupants overlooking neighbours’ homes. It said the centre would attract a maximum of 30 cars entering the site in morning and evening peak hours.

It also ensured noise concerns would be controlled.

“Acoustic impacts have been considered in the assessment of the application and are satisfactory.’’

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