A revised proposal for a contentious childcare centre development in the Perth suburb of Mt Pleasant has been submitted, maintaining its original capacity despite earlier criticism that the facility was too large for the area.
Unchanged Capacity Amidst Community Scrutiny
The applicants, Element Advisory, are seeking approval from the Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel to construct a $3.5 million childcare centre at 34-36 St Michael Terrace in Mt Pleasant. This follows a previous deferral of the application in October, where concerns were raised about the size of the proposed centre, along with issues regarding fencing and waste management.
In a detailed letter to the DAP, Element Advisory explicitly stated that reducing the proposed number of children from the initial plan of up to 113, with 28 employees, is not feasible. The firm cited two primary factors influencing this decision: the significant unmet demand for childcare services in the local area and the project's financial viability.
Revised Design and Technical Justifications
While the capacity remains unchanged, the revised proposal includes a new design for the fencing and an updated waste management plan to address the panel's earlier concerns. Element Advisory emphasised that technical reports accompanying the development demonstrate no adverse impacts on amenity in terms of noise, waste management, traffic, or safety.
The site, which is currently vacant and located on the corner of Queens Road and St Michael Terrace, directly opposite Mt Pleasant Primary School, is described as sufficiently large. According to the advisory firm, it could potentially be subdivided into four dwellings or two medium-sized childcare premises, highlighting its suitability for the proposed development.
Scale and Upcoming Decision
During the October meeting, the DAP was informed that if approved, this childcare centre would become the second largest within the City of Melville and rank among the top eight largest in the entire metropolitan area. This scale has been a point of contention, prompting the panel's initial deferral for further review.
The Metro Inner Development Assessment Panel is scheduled to reconsider the revised proposal at its meeting on February 3. This decision will be closely watched by local residents and stakeholders, as it balances the need for additional childcare spaces against community concerns over development size and impact.
