A PLAN to construct a childcare centre on Barmah Court, Frankston South, has been knocked back by Frankston Council.
A number of Barmah Court residents made submissions to council opposing the proposed development at the 12 August public council meeting. The proposal put to council was to use and develop land at 21 Barmah Court for a child care centre, to “remove fifteen substantial trees and construct and carry out works in the tree protection zone of substantial trees,” and to “construct and put up for display two business identification signs.”
The recommendation provided by council officers to councillors was to approve the application.
Councillors eventually voted for an amended motion to refuse a planning permit for the applicant. The permit was denied on the grounds that “the proposed development is contrary to the neighbourhood character policy (…) due to the removal of large established trees, the minimal setback from the rear site boundary and the solid brick fencing which fails to maintain and enhance the continuous flow of vegetation across the landscape.” A “lack of opportunity for tree planting”, a “material increase in traffic movement,” the “loss of existing vegetation with a landscaping response which does not adequately replace the contribution of that vegetation to the character of the area,” and insufficient parking were also cited as reasons for the refusal.
Councillors Glenn Aitken, Brian Cunial, Quinn McCormack, Colin Hampton, Sandra Mayer, and Steve Toms voted to reject a permit to the applicant. The mayor Michael O’Reilly voted against a refusal, and Cr Kris Bolam abstained.
The council officer’s report stated that the childcare centre was proposed to accomodate for 84 children and 14 staff.
The officer’s report said that “the proposal is consistent with the planning policy frameworks, neighbourhood character policy and the planning requirements of the Frankston planning scheme”. 19 car parking spaces were nominated as part of the application.
A total of 18 objections to the development were received by council. The proposed building had a maximum height of just under 7 metres, and took up a little less than 583 square metres. It was proposed to be used Monday to Friday, 6am to 6.30pm.
