Central Coast Council considers 3 ECEC development proposals 

The New South Wales Central Coast Council currently has three development proposals for early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings in consideration, two of which have been met with what local media terms ‘significant dissatisfaction’ from the communities in which they are located. 

The two would be services attracting comment are in East Gosford and Berkeley Vale respectively, and have attracted many objections, with common themes being noise pollution, traffic and parking issues, safety risks in already congested narrow streets, preservation of quiet residential areas.

Three parcels of land are at the heart of the Berkeley Vale proposal, which would see the land housing a 78 place service, 13 staff service to be operated by the Little Miracles group.

Although there was a significant number of objections some neighbouring residents are in favour, saying it would increase a sense of community in the area, provide more local jobs, and appeal to younger families to buy into the area with a much-needed daycare centre close by, local news source Coast Community News shared. 

Objections to the proposal note impacts to pedestrian safety, increased traffic, parking issues, the steep terrain, and the lack of footpaths.

In relation to the proposed 70 place East Gosford site a number of the objections centre around the impact of noise from the children to the neighbouring residents, with a proposed service at 24 Waratah St, East Gosford being opposite an already established pre-school which has operated for more than 10 years.

There are also privacy issues with large glass windows overlooking neighbouring outdoor living spaces and opposite bedrooms, as well as concerns about increased traffic, insufficient parking, stormwater management and the blocking of natural light by the two storey build. 

The third childcare centre being considered for approval by Council is at 167 Serpentine Rd, Terrigal, which is slated to educate and care for 113 children. 

The three development applications can be viewed on Council’s website – Terrigal (2113/2024), Berkeley Vale (1653/2024) and East Gosford (409/2024).

The local coverage of this story may be found here.