A childcare centre proposed for Bel-air has been recommended for approval despite attracting a wave of discontent from its neighbours.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Orange City Council received 31 submissions on the $2.6 million centre on Turner Crescent, which will back onto the southwest intersection of Molong Road and the Northern Distributor Road.
The development would provide 124 childcare places, featuring seven playrooms according to age bracket, each with bathrooms and sleep rooms.
A kitchen, staff room, laundry, store rooms and two outdoor play areas will also be provided and 31 parking spaces will be provided onsite.
The centre would employ 26 people, including educators, administration, cleaners and cooks.
Objectors were concerned about the projected traffic increase and the impact it would have on the intersection of Mastronardi Way and the Mitchell Highway, sight lines for motorists turning right into the centre from Turner Crescent and pedestrian safety.
Turner Crescent resident Kylie Webster, who organised a protest at the site in March, said in her submission the centre would be on a blind corner.
“This particular corner is dangerous as we witness on a near daily [basis] as we attempt to reverse out of our driveways,” she said.
However, council staff reported the centre would only generate an extra two car trips a minute during the morning and evening peaks, traffic volumes were still below the 200 vehicle an hour threshold set by NSW Roads and Maritime Services for residential streets and the impact on delays and capacity at the Mastronardi Way/Mitchell Highway intersection would be minimal.
A raised median on Turner Crescent was recommended as a consent condition to ensure safe sight distances.
“The median, line marking and intersection resealing will reduce the speed of vehicles entering the site, provide adequate reaction times and improve traffic amenity,” the report said.
“Existing speed humps are considered adequate traffic calming devices.”
Several residents were concerned Turner Crescent could be reduced to a single car width if staff and parents parked on the street, however the report said cars would use onsite parking.
Councillors will consider the development at Tuesday night’s meeting.