Traffic nightmare: Residents troubled over Wantirna Rd townhouse development plans

A group of Wantirna residents are protesting about a developer’s plan to build 24 townhouses on a former childcare centre site they fear will cause massive congestion.

Unhappy Wantirna residents gathered on Sunday to talk about the development plans. Picture: Erin Constable

A developer’s bid to build 24 townhouses along Wantirna Rd has been slammed by nearby residents worried about congestion and a lack of parking.

Knox City Council has received a $7.2m development application for 24 townhouses to be built on the former Knox Early Parenting Centre site at 276 Wantirna Rd, Wantirna.

Wantirna residents are unhappy about a developer's plan to build 24 townhouses at 276 Wantirna Rd. Picture: Erin Constable

The site was sold by the council to Summitvest developers in 2023 and the former kindergarten was demolished.

It is a large dual fronted site that also sits along Bellbird Dr.

The proposal includes spaces for 24 three or four bedroom townhouses with 42 carparking spaces.

The only access point to the estate is through Clarence Rd. Picture: Google Maps

Dozens of residents gathered on Sunday to share their concerns about the proposed development.

Bellbird Dr resident Richard Tran said he was “extremely concerned” about the impact the development would have on the community.

“The only way we can get in or out of the estate is through Clarence Rd,” he said.

“This is already too congested, especially at peak hour times and will be only be made worse by the residents of 24 extra homes.

“This area was not designed for this type of development.”

Mr Tran says the Bellbird Dr is too skinny to accommodate more cars. Picture: Erin Constable

Mr Tran said the roads were not wide enough for the influx of cars the development would bring.

“Bellbird Dr is a skinny road, only one car can get through at a time when cars are parked on both sides of the street,” he said.

“Despite the proposed developments having up to four bedrooms, each townhouses has only got two car spaces.

“All the leftover cars will have to park on an already congested street.

“Big cars will find it difficult getting through the street, let alone garbage trucks or emergency services.

The former childcare site was sold and cleared. Picture: Erin Constable

Sue Clements has been living in the estate for more than 30 years and said the area had always been very quiet.

“We are a small thriving community with just over 300 residences and one accesses point,” she said.

“There are already cars queuing all the time.

“What happens when emergency services need to access the estate but cant get through the congestion?”

A fence has been placed around the site after it was cleared. Picture: Erin Constable

The development proposal was advertised by the council on September 25, with residents so far lodging more than 40 objections.

Summitvest has been contacted for comment.