Rydalmere ECEC two-storey ECEC scrapped due to resident’s objections

A development application relating to an early childhood education and care (ECEC) service proposed for 68 Kirby Street, Rydalmere, New South Wales has been rejected by the Parramatta Local Planning Panel after a number of residents voiced opposition to the project. 

The panel ultimately concluded that the 66-place service was not compliant with a number of provisions, including those relating to traffic, parking, noise and scale.

A total of 28 submissions were made in relation to the proposed development, with many residents sharing their concerns about the impact the service would have on the surrounding properties. 

Local resident Heidi Cleary told the panel that parents and carers crossing the road to get to the service would face safety concerns because of the speed of drivers in the area, and because of the lack of a safe crossing to get across Kirby Street to the muster point in Upjohn Park.

Anna Pan, another local resident who would neighbour the property, expressed concern about her own children, one of whom has autism and suffers from chronic migraines. The proposed outdoor play space would have faced Ms Pan’s property, and a bedroom, study, living room and verandah would all be subject to noise from the service. 

Despite the concerns of residents, the Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) for the project said the site would be suitable for ECEC, and that it would be unlikely that there would be adverse impacts on the amenity of the locality. 

To read the panel’s decision in full, see here. Local coverage of the story is available here.