By Matthew Sims
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has upheld Casey Council’s decision to refuse a permit for a planning permit to use and develop the 2-4 Dell View Close in Narre Warren North for a 138-place childcare facility.
In her decision passed down on Wednesday 14 June, VCAT senior member Margaret Baird said her concerns with the proposal included the “size and intensity” of the proposed construction, potential sound impacts and the influence on the rural character of the area.
“The scale, extent and siting of the proposed development do not sufficiently achieve the scheme’s neighbourhood and landscape character outcomes, as expressly sought for this location and low density residential area,” she said.
“I am concerned that the noise impacts of outdoor play areas and the use of the car park on neighbouring habitable room windows and outdoor living areas are not minimised so as to respond to the qualities and attributes of this location.
“The rural character is valued and will be compromised.”
If approved, the development would have led to the removal of the existing dwelling and some vegetation to allow for the construction of a one to two-storey building is set into the slope, with surrounding play areas across two split levels.
The permit application also outlined plans for a 30-space car park, which would be accessed from the Hallam North Road.
According to the traffic report completed, the developers projected the facility would see 552 movements per day and 110 vehicle trip ends during the commuter peak hours.
Existing traffic volumes in Dell View Close were low, with a seven day survey showing a total average daily count of 43 vehicles per day, with three to four vehicle trips in the peak hour periods.
Ms Baird said the permit application could not prevent cars using Dell View Close to park.
“That would be an undesirable impact given the narrow road profile and lack of formalised on-street parking,” she said.
While the amended plans relocated vehicle access to Hallam North Road, including a left turn lane into the site from Hallam North Road and minor changes to Hallam North Road line marking to facilitate fully directional access to the site, Ms Baird said she said there were a number of reasons why the development was not suitable for the area.
“The child care facility is not located so as to maximise access by public transport and safe walking and cycling routes,” she said.
“I am not persuaded that the built elements have been designed and sited in a manner that is respectful of the low density residential character of the area.
“Overall, I find the proposal does not sufficiently meet the character and landscape outcomes sought for this location.”
The applicant highlighted that the area is projected to experience population growth of 2.4 per cent by 2036, with a current estimated shortfall of 1595 spaces for the resident population in the catchment area.
Star News contacted the applicant and their solicitors but did not receive a response before deadline.
