A CHILDCARE centre on Turner Crescent could again become reality, with the developer submitting fresh designs after earlier plans were rejected in court.
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Australian Childcare Solutions lost two cases in the NSW Land and Environment Court, in December 2017 and June 2018, to have the 124-place centre approved, but the court held the development was too bulky for the site was was not in keeping with the character of the street.
It was also strongly contested by residents, who ultimately won over Orange councillors.
In response, the developer completely redesigned the proposal to be further from the street and appear more like a house, the play equipment was removed from the front and the number of places was cut by 30.
Despite the reduction, the number of parking spaces provided has grown from 31 to 32.
Australian Childcare Solutions director David Roberts said the court proceedings were a first for the company in 15 years and its priority was building places where children could be educated.
"We're quick learners and everything raised through the court, we've fixed it," he said.
"We've added 33 per cent more parking than we have to - we want the support of the community because they're putting their kids there."
Development director Darren Jonsson said bulk and scale was addressed through a split level design, which would follow the land's slope.
The possibility of placing the entry off the Mitchell Highway was re-explored, but not supported by NSW Roads and Maritime Services, however Mr Jonsson said a plan to place a raised median on Turner Crescent would help eliminate the blind corner residents raised concerns about.
Mr Jonsson said Orange was adding 40 children to the 0-4 age group every year, but was already about 350 places short of meeting current demand.
Mr Roberts said the tenant would likely sign a 20-year lease over the site and employ up to 30 people.
The council is yet to assess the fresh application.
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