Proposal for $3m 122 place service at The Entrance now open for public comment

A development application relating to vacant land at 174-176 The Entrance Road, located in New South Wales coastal holiday spot The Entrance has been lodged with the local council and is now open for public comment. 

 

Currently bordered by the Sapphire Palms Motel on one side and a block of residential flats on the other, the proposal outlines a purpose built facility which would offer 50 places for children aged between three and six years, 40 places for children between the ages of two and three years, and 32 places for children from birth – two years of age. 

 

With proposed opening hours of 07:00 to 18:00, the service would have 21 staff working directly with children, as well as administrative and catering support staff. 

 

The initial proposal, which features 29 parking spaces within a lower ground floor area, as well as a turning bay, is short by two car parking spaces compared with normal standards, however the application notes available on street parking which would negate the “negligible” shortfall. 

 

A statement of environmental effects lodged with the application, written by Think Planners Pty Ltd on behalf of applicant Laurie Liskowski Architects said the proposed development “seeks to utilise the land in accordance with the zoning and take advantage of its proximity to public transport, essential services, schools, and recreational opportunities.” 

 

The building design is described in the application as “a purpose built child care facility designed as a large modern 2 storey building, set within a landscape setting to be consistent with the existing character within the immediate locality.” 

 

Landscape designs in the application show the outdoor play area located behind the proposed building, with planting to be located along the site’s side and rear boundaries to minimise privacy impacts from neighbouring properties.

 

Barriers will be added along external play areas, the application notes, to minimise acoustic impacts to neighbouring properties.

 

The proposal is on public exhibition for comment until October 12, and may be viewed online here.