Como residents await further clarity about ECEC development

Residents in the Perth community of Como are awaiting the outcome of decision making by the Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel (MIDAP), with panelists deferring decision making after a hung vote in relation to an early childhood education and care (ECEC) development proposed for their community. 

MIDAP voted 2-2 recently in relation to a proposal to build an ECEC service at 44 Park Street in Como which would educate and care for 86 children, operating on weekdays from 6.30 am to 6. 30 pm, with 15 staff.

Presiding member Clayton Higham and deputy presiding member Karen Hyde voted for the deferral, while specialist member Eugene Koltasz and South Perth City councillor Bronwyn Waugh voted against it, Perth Now reports. 

Ms Hyde — who put forward the motion for deferral — said she wanted to delay the decision to allow for “some further resolution of outstanding matters” relating to overshadowing, fencing, setback and noise.

The $2.5 million project by Apex Planning received 16 objections and a 70 signature petition in opposition to the build, with residents sharing concerns about its location, privacy, parking and noise.

“What an inconsiderate and irresponsible proposal,” one submission said.

“The plan for such a large childcare centre dropped right in the middle of a residential block baffles me.”

Respondents urged the Panel to keep the block for its designated purpose – residential housing – particularly in light of current accessibility challenges for those seeking homes. 

The petition also raised concerns about “constant noise, loss of amenity, parking and traffic movement issues” and that the centre would devalue surrounding properties.

Five residents attended the meeting to give presentations against the project, with one being explicit about “the madness of squeezing a gigantic commercial building in the middle of a dense residential zone.” 

“We should simply wait until the developer buys an appropriately sized block in a more suitable location, perhaps one with dedicated mixed-use zones nearby where the childcare centres are better suited. Keep the residential areas for the residents,” he added. 

In response approved provider Tall Tree Early Learning emphasised that the focus of its services “has always been to provide high-quality education and care for local Perth families within the communities in which we operate,” and that Tall Trees has “a number of centres in residential settings … and we do everything we can to ensure our neighbours are looked after with all of our services.”

“We support our vision for Tall Tree Como to become a support hub for families, a home away from home, and a place where all children in our care can grow and flourish, becoming active, positive participants within their local Como community,” Tall Tree co-owner Rory Hindle said.

The City of South Perth has taken the position that any impact to residents could be managed to an acceptable level. 

“With all developments, there will be some impact, (so) I guess the question is whether it is an acceptable level of impact,” a City officer said.

“We’re of the view that the impacts can be managed to an acceptable level. Obviously there will be noise, but it’s not going to exceed requirements.”

Access the Perth Now coverage of this story here.