By Tyler Wright
Yarra Ranges councillors have voted unanimously to accept a planning application for the construction of a childcare centre in Monbulk.
The application proposed the use and development of the land for a childcare centre on 20 David Hill Road, removal of vegetation, display of business identification signage and reduction in car parking at what is currently a residential property.
At the council meeting on Tuesday 14 February, Jennie Bakker from the nearby Coolwyn Nursery said while the business supports the construction of a childcare centre, her only suggestion would be to change the entrance to the facility from the top of Victoria Avenue, further down Victoria Avenue or onto David Hill Road.
“There’s a lot of interstate trucks that come down our road; VWs, semis…anything bigger than a van literally has to turn into the road [and] has to take up both sides of the road to come in,” Ms Bakker said.
“We’re worried that there’s so much usage of big trucks coming in and out of the road, any overflow from the car park from the childcare facility, it will obviously end up on Victoria Avenue because [on] David Hill Road there’s no opportunity to park,” she said.
“We’re really concerned about the safety of the kids and the parents and our staff.”
Acting Director of Built Environment and Infrastructure, Kim O’Connor, said the traffic team considered restrictions including no stopping on both sides of Victoria Avenue to ensure access through the driveways.
“The traffic report did look at pre-imposed intersection assessments… the traffic team were comfortable with the design and the traffic movement at that intersection,” Mr O’Connor said.
“There are opportunities to, pre and post, look at the impact of the traffic.”
Planning consultant Henry Johnstone spoke on behalf of applicant Ratio Consultants, and said the application has been referred to a number of internal experts in traffic and drainage, as well as an arborist.
“Our client has engaged and established a child care centre operator as the end user, who has a proven track record of providing this type of development, so they’re well versed in the operational requirements of this type of facility,” Mr Johnstone said.
Mr Johnstone said the childcare centre will also be in close proximity to the Monbulk Primary School and the town centre, with David Hill Road capable of carrying additional traffic volumes.
“This will allow use to compliment the school and commercial precinct in allowing parents to drop off their children whilst undertaking a number of other tasks such as shopping or school drop offs.
“There are also a number of bus routes along Main Road, which is around 450 metres to the west.
“The broader area is well serviced by foot and bicycle paths.”
There were 20 objections to the planning submission, and one letter of support.
Mr Johnstone said traffic has been identified as one of the key concerns of the community, with Ratio Consultants re-ingaging traffic engineers to undertake a more detailed study of the potential impact after the original traffic report was released.
“This further work included it included an assessment of the traffic volumes along both David Hill Road and Victoria Avenue between 7 and 10am and 3 to 6pm, being the peak hour times,” he said.
“The proposed use was expected to generate an addition of 64 trips during these peak hour periods, with low levels of traffic anticipated during other times by virtue of the pick up and drop off times.
“The results of the analysis indicated the post development levels of traffic with David Hill Road and Victoria Avenue intersection…with no queues or delays expected when consideration is given to the slight increase in traffic volumes.”
It also would not be feasible to create a car park accessible from David Hill Road, Mr Johnstone said.
“The grades required which are fairly detailed and specified in the planning scheme make it near impossible for a driveway to gradually make its way down the slope to a parking area.”
“If that were to be the case, the parking would need to relocated at the rear of the site, and we’d say that has the ability to cause unreasonable impacts on that property to the rear, number two Victoria Avenue.”
Chandler Ward Councillor David Eastham moved the recommendation, and said there were community objections regarding traffic and the building of the site near residential properties.
“The broader community highlighted some real concerns with me in terms of how long the wait was for local childcare centres, or even childcare centres that were within a 15 to 20 minute drive,” Cr Eastham said.
“This application is in a great location for Monbulk, its proximity to broader community assets, the townships and also the school.
“Speaking with some of the parents, what they were saying is that what is currently available for them, especially for parents looking to return to work, is restricting their ability to get back into the workforce because their options are so limited.
“I do see this application as a huge benefit to the Monbulk community and the families that are residing there.”
Lyster Ward Councillor Johanna Skelton seconded the motion.
“I thank the people who have written in with the objections because it has improved the outcome,” Cr Skelton said.
“It may not be able to be in the permit here tonight, but we will have those opportunities as a council to amend the 40k speed limit [at] school times, if there does become an issue and the parking on the roadsides.
“I think we have enough options to soften the blow to an acceptable level.”
The motion was carried unanimously.
The childcare centre is expected to hold 80 children, with operating hours between 6.30am and 6.30pm on Monday and Friday.
