Lockyer Valley Regional Council to assess childcare centre planned for Plainland
Two childcare centres have been proposed just metres from each other in a fast-growing southern Queensland community east of Toowoomba.
Gatton
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More essential services are being added to one of southern Queensland’s fastest-growing communities, with a new childcare centre planned for Plainland in the Lockyer Valley.
Brisbane developer Maddison Ridge Pty Ltd lodged plans with the Lockyer Valley Regional Council for a 115-place childcare facility on the corner of Gehrke Rd and Barcoo Drive, in the northwest corner of what is known as Plainland Crossing.
However, the project could run into commercial problems as it comes a month after another childcare centre was proposed just three doors up from this site.
According to the report by Landpartners, the new two-storey centre would be based on a newly-created 3000s qm lot, the subdivision for which was also included with the application.
“The proposed child care facility is a two storey design with the ground floor being used for the care of children and the first floor being for the employees,” the report said.
“The ground floor is a total of 1061s qm, with multiple verandas, activity areas, kitchen, reception, foyer areas and a dry court.
“The first floor comprises of a staff meeting room, office, program room and a storeroom, being 82.6s qm area with windows that allow for overlooking to outdoor play areas.”
The report argued the development would employ 18 people, also pointing to the growing population in Plainland Crossing.
“The proposed facility provides 32 carparking spaces, therefore being in excess of the minimum carparking space requirements of the (former) Laidley Shire planning scheme,” the report said.
“Plainland Crossing within the area of Mountain View Drive, Gehrke Rd and Warrego Highway is becoming an expanding residential and commercial hub, with future development earmarked and approved within proximity to the subject site.
“With the fast developing commercial and residential area, additional public facilities are required to accommodate the population growth.
“The additional population growth for the region are requires complimentary commercial uses such as shops, community facilities, medical centres and child care facilities.”
Mapping shows the centre would be located just around the corner from an existing kindergarten and childcare centre.
Plainland has becoming a hot spot in the Lockyer Valley for commercial development as residents continue to flood into the masterplanned community.
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