By Matthew Sims
South-Eastern Metropolitan MP Ann-Marie Hermans has called for the State Government to step in to block the approval of a 110-place childcare centre in Narre Warren North.
A development proposal for 154 Drysdale Avenue, Narre Warren North, located within the Highgrange Estate, is currently being reviewed by Casey Council, with a decision expected to be made soon.
The plans outline a $2.9 million early childhood education facility at the site, which would accommodate 110 places.
The proposed location for the centre is located on a corner block, intersecting single lane carriage-way Belgrave-Hallam Road and Drysdale Avenue, which is one lane each-way and the only entrance and exit point for the Highgrange Estate.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday 20 June, Ms Hermans said Highgrange residents had a number of concerns about the development.
“Residents fear Drysdale Avenue has minimal on-street parking, with an intersecting single-lane carriageway to the busy Belgrave-Hallam Road,” she said.
“Casey council is reviewing the plans.
“No decision has been finalised.”
Residents’ concerns have included a lack of demand for another childcare centre in the area, the location not being suitable for a commercial development and limited capacity to accommodate the traffic congestion the centre would bring.
There are currently upwards of eight early childhood education centres in Narre Warren North itself, along with seven others in neighbouring Endeavour Hills.
According to the 2021 Census, there were 356 children aged up to four years of in Narre Warren North.
Ms Hermans said the new development would not be safe for the nearby residents.
“Drysdale Avenue has one-lane traffic each way and is the only entrance and exit point for the estate.
“Residents call it an accident waiting to happen.”
Planning documents included in the application showed plans for a 24-space car park at the entrance to the centre.
Locals also shared concerns about the risk of young children running on to Belgrave-Hallam Road, where speed is posted at 70 km/h.
Ms Hermans said more than 30 objections had been submitted opposing the application.
“A development plan overlay (DPO) exists, so submitters will not have appeal rights should the application be approved,” she said.
“With excessive amounts of childcare centres in the area and an estimated 400 children aged zero to four years, will this government stop a tick-the-box exercise to support their locals?”
The DPO would mean the application was also exempt from public notice requirements, meaning many residents of the estate were unaware of the proposal when it was submitted in September last year.
Casey Council planning and building manager Tania Asper said a decision on the application was likely to be made by council officers within the coming week.
“Submissions from residents about this matter can be made to council up until the time a decision is made on the application,” she said.
“Submissions should be made in writing, making reference to the application number, and be sent to caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au.”
