Childcare centre for Mont Albert North rejected again by Whitehorse Council

A contentious proposal to build a childcare centre in Mont Albert North has been rejected by Whitehorse Council for a second time — against the advice of planning officers.

It was the second application for a childcare centre at the site.

A contentious proposal to build a childcare centre in Mont Albert North has been rejected by Whitehorse Council for a second time — against the advice of planning officers.

Councillors refused Folkestone Funds Investment Limited’s application for 451-453 Belmore Rd on March 18, after the council successfully fought to have a previous application for the centre defeated at VCAT in December.

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Several councillors voiced concerns about the practicality and safety of the site — which would accommodate up to 128 children and up to 27 staff — because it was the corner of two busy roads.

Councillor Blair Barker said among his objections, he was “most importantly” worried about an increase of traffic on Belmore Rd, a major bus route on a hill.

The childcare centre was planned for the corner of Belmore and McColl roads. Picture: Google Maps.

“It’s a dangerous part of town already,” Cr Barker said.

Councillors said the applicant’s plan to provide 28 car spaces in a basement would be inadequate for the number of users, even though council officers recommended approving the proposal.

Councillors Andrew Davenport and Andrew Munroe argued the council should issue a permit for the centre, with the developer having lowed the number of tandem parks provided, which was the reason the tribunal rejected the initial application for the centre.

When handing down its ruling on the previous application in December, the tribunal found “there was no evidence to substantiate that resultant traffic would have an acceptable impact”, and said the development was appropriate for the area.

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Cr Munroe said councillors should consider the cost of the issue returning to the tribunal, while Cr Davenport said the council should issue the permit because it allowed the chance to impose requirements, such as the centre’s operating hours.

Seven councillors voted against the plan, and three voted in its favour.

The decision came after 28 objectors to the proposal attended a council-run forum with four representatives of the applicant on February 26, and residents spoke against the plans at a special council meeting on March 11.

The developer is yet to advise if it will be taking the council’s decision on the double-storey centre to the tribunal again.