Cabonne Council has deferred a decision on a childcare centre for a month to work through concerns about parking with the developer.
Robert Wilson’s Circle Early Learning Centre operates childcare centres in Oberon and Blayney, and he explains they have seen the need for long daycare in Canowindra as well.
The proposal before council is for a 52-place childcare centre on the corner of Rodd Street and Belubula Way – with the first stage demolition of the existing dwelling on the site to build a centre.
The $1.2 million new facility would cater for 52 children per day, operating 6am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, councillors heard at their March meeting.
It would employ 12 staff on rotational shifts.
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What’s proposed is a 449 square metre building, including activity rooms, reception area and office, amenities, kitchen and staff room.
There would be an outdoor play and grassed area for children to enjoy, and nine off-street car parking spaces.
A number of councillors applauded the proposal to bring the long daycare centre to Canowindra, but were concerned about the traffic at that intersection.
With nine off-street car parking spaces, they were concerned there would be overflow into neighbouring streets at times.
“The council’s development engineer has highlighted the use of Belubula Way by heavy traffic and requires a no parking zone be installed outside the proposed premises (potentially along both sides of the roadway),” the report to council said.
Mr Wilson said the nature of long day care meant that drop off and pick up times were staggered, so people would be able to park on site.
Councillors asked whether any additional conditions could be put on that would make it safer – and Mayor Kevin Beatty suggested deferring a decision so that staff could meet and speak with the developer.
Councillors voted for that and the matter will be brought back to council.
