Proposed Heathmont childcare centre gets 161 objections
Objectors to a proposed Heathmont childcare centre — which already has a childcare centre, kinder and school within 250m — fear it could lead to “madness” and gridlock a suburban street.
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Objectors to a proposed childcare centre in Heathmont — which already has a childcare centre, kinder and school within 250m — fear it could lead to “madness” and gridlock a suburban street.
Plans have been submitted to bulldoze the existing house on Armstrong Rd and replace it with a single-storey childcare centre for up to 88 children.
The applicant also wants to cut down 11 trees and create 19 car spaces in front of the centre, which would operate from 6.30am to 6.30pm weekdays.
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If approved, it will be built almost opposite the Heathmont East Childcare Centre at 13 Armstrong Rd. A primary school and a kindergarten are also close by.
Maroondah councillor Kylie Spears told Maroondah Leader the application received 161 objections. A planning meeting to discuss the proposed centre took place on April 15.
Cr Spears said it was one of the most passionate responses to a proposed project in her ward since she became a councillor in 2016.
“It means people care and if you care about your community, that’s a big deal,” Cr Spears said.
Cr Spears said there were concerns from objectors about traffic conditions on Armstrong Rd and landscaping.
Councillor Tony Dib had a stronger view, saying traffic was already a “nightmare” and Armstrong Rd couldn’t take more pressure.
“We haven’t made the decision yet but in my opinion, it cannot take another childcare centre,” he said.
Readers first raised concerns about the proposed centre on Maroondah Leader’s Facebook page last month.
Kate Shakespeare feared it would lead to more congestion on her way to work.
“Armstrong Rd has circa 550-600 or so kids being dropped off to and from school each day in addition to 40 or so kinder kids and 30 kids at the existing childcare (centre),” she wrote.
“To potentially add another 100 drop-offs to the street is madness.”
Glossop Town Planning, who are representing the applicant, did not return calls for comment.
Cr Spears said she understood a decision on the centre would be made within four weeks.