Sorell residents who opposed plans to build a childcare centre next door to their properties have failed in their bid to stop the project.
Locals raised concerns about privacy, noise levels, insufficient street parking and traffic congestion, saying the development would disrupt their “quiet and safe” living environment.
“I don’t believe this is the right location for a childcare centre due to being smack bang in between two residential [properties],” one resident said.
“This application has the potential to destroy the quiet enjoyment of the neighbourhood by residents,” said another.
The development at 18 Arthur Street was given the green light on Tuesday night, with a proposed noise management plan condition that would have required staff to move crying children inside removed by councillors.
One councillor said the clause would be “almost micromanaging” the operations of the business and suggested the condition was “inappropriate”.
All councillors agreed and voted to remove the condition, passing the project unanimously.
The approved plan includes demolishing existing structures on the 1,601m2 site and adding to the existing building with three activity rooms, a kitchen, dining area, reception, three bathrooms, office space and an outdoor play area.
The centre will have 15 off-street parking spaces and operate from 6:30am to 6:30pm on weekdays, employing ten staff to care for up to 60 children.
In their application, the developers said there is a “high need for childcare centres in the area and the region which this development seeks to service”.
