Hannah Hammoud
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has granted a permit for a childcare centre in St Albans, despite objections from Brimbank council and residents.
The applicant, Happy Childcare Centre, applied to council in 2020 for a permit to develop land at 66 Charles Street, St Albans, for a two-storey, 49 place childcare centre.
The applicant also sought approval for signage and a reduction in car parking.
Council refused the permit on August 26, 2021.
Council’s refusal to grant the permit was based on the view that the scale of the design showed little regard for the character of the neighbourhood and failed to provide appropriate landscaping.
Council also noted that the development did not provide adequate amenity protections by way of visual bulk and inappropriate drop off and pick up arrangements. Concerns also related to high fencing, the overly dominant upper level, and the development being not in keeping with residential typology.
Residents living in surrounding properties shared council’s concerns and were also worried about noise, parking, reduction of green space, heat islands, pollution, stormwater issues, traffic, safety, oversupply of child care centres, and overlooking.
The proposed development sits opposite an existing two-storey child-care centre, sparking residents’ concerns about parking and traffic congestion.
Despite these concerns, VCAT’s decision allowed for a reduction in the number of parking spaces. The permit was granted with the provision of nine car parking spaces, whereas the Brimbank Planning Scheme requires 10 to be provided.
Tribunal member Alison Slattery said she was “satisfied” that the use of the site for a 49-child, child care centre is appropriate for the location.
“There is an expectation that much of the clientele will be drawn from the immediate area, or from those who utilise the Keilor Plains train station to the west. This reduces the impacts from car parking in the street, and reduces the quantum of traffic that is likely,” she said.
VCAT made the decision to approve the development on July 21, disagreeing with the concerns of council and other objectors.
Brimbank council acting director for city futures Tom Razmovski said council accepts the decision from VCAT and will be issuing a planning permit in accordance with the order.
