JDAP approves $2.1 million Nido centre in City of Stirling

A two storey early childhood education and care (ECEC) service in Perth’s Wembley Downs has been recommended for approval by the Metro Inner-North Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP), despite strong opposition from some neighbours.

 

The service will replace two duplexes at 24 Unwin Avenue and 159 Hale Road, opposite Hale School.

 

Local council the City of Stirling recommended the panel approve the proposed service, which will host 82 children, and operate from 7 am to 6. 30 pm, Monday to Friday, with vehicle access to be from Unwin Avenue. 

 

One of the biggest objections from neighbours was that Unwin Avenue is already extremely busy as a result of school traffic, including congestion during pick up and drop off times. 

 

Once children are added into the mix, neighbour Tonia Poggioli said, the situation becomes “chaotic, congested and very dangerous.” 

 

Ms Poggioli also raised concerns with increased noise from cars, air-conditioners, children playing outside, waste and delivery trucks, and said the proposed acoustic wall was “not sensitive in design or wanted”.

 

Speaking with local news source Perth Now, she also shared her concerns about the “dramatic and detrimental effects” the service would have on the amenity, privacy and natural lighting on neighbouring properties, and that the development would create an “overpowering and harsh concrete view” to nearby residents.

 

Of the submissions received during the consultation period, 66 or the 67 were in opposition, with several objecting petitions also presented.

 

One resident, Varius Klimaitis, described the build as an “ugly formless box with concrete parking taking up 40 per cent of the lot” and “too commercial for the area”.

 

In response to the concerns, applicant Michael Willcock of Taylor Burrell Barnett argued the area was “not entirely residential” given Hale School was just opposite, and it was also undergoing infill which would create a future demand for local services like childcare.

 

The centre, he continued, would also be required to comply with noise regulations and an operations management plan, and the carpark now included a turning bay at the request of the City, as well as suggested changes to the colours, fencing and retention of trees.

 

To read the original coverage of this story, please see here. Lead image credit:  B.J. Building Design