In June this year, Orange City Council refused the development application to demolish a house and sheds at 4 Kearneys Drive to make way for a 52-place childcare centre.

Councillors agreed unanimously with residents' objections on increased noise and traffic and the overdevelopment of the site despite council staff recommending approving the DA, after it was scaled back from 61 to 52 placements.

The June refusal landed the matter in the Land and Environmental Court and the failure of a conciliation meeting in October led to a court hearing being set down for March next year.

In the meantime, the developing company Nile Street Pty Ltd refiled to submit amended plans with the court, which increase the number of placements at the centre to 72, with basement parking for 18 cars. The Court has agreed to allow the amended plans to be the basis of a hearing.

Council has written to residents explaining the situation and encouraging them to lodge submissions on the amended plans which are on exhibition until January 19.

The letter also includes information on how residents can give evidence at the March hearing.

Under the amended plans the originally proposed car parking at the front of the building fronting Kearneys Drive has been replaced by basement parking with a lift. The centre will operate from 7am to 6pm.

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