Residents block Frankston South ECEC service build with 278 objections

A planned early childhood education and care (ECEC) development at 137 Overport Road in Victoria’s Frankston South is up against strong opposition from the local community, with  278 objections submitted to Frankston Council about the proposal.

A previous ECEC proposal for the site was knocked back by VCAT last year.

The current proposal details a 95-place service, with 16 staff, which would operate on weekdays from 6.30am to 6.30pm in a purpose-built facility which is expected to include six playrooms, a kitchen, reception, meeting rooms, bathrooms, laundry, and an office. An outdoor play area will be located along the western and southern boundaries of the site if it is approved.

A 21-space car park is included in the proposal, which details some amendments from those rejected by VCAT in 2020. The maximum number of children the centre can care for has been reduced from 116 to 95. The number of car spaces has also been reduced, from 25 to 21. 

30 of the 35 trees on the site will be retained, with five lost to make way for the building. Residents expressed concern that the protection zones of six trees will be encroached by the buildings and works, which are projected to cost $1.5 million. 

A decision on whether a permit should be approved for the developer will be considered by council at a later date, which will consider residents’ concerns as tabled at a meeting held last week. 

For local coverage of this story, please see here.