The 1.73 hectares site adjoins the Corowa Pioneer Cemetery to the north, a vacant block of residential land to the south - which it shares a 12.19m right of way (ROW) - and the Corowa Caravan Park to the west.
The site is private property and does not contain any exiting development or record of old development.
The facility will consist of one large main building, car park, outdoor play space and play farm area, requiring access off Federation Avenue using the existing access point on the far north corner of the lot.
This access point also serves as a 12.19m right of way to the residential land at the rear. The carpark at the front of the property will contain 31 carparks to accommodate children and staff.
“This is in line with the NSW Child Care Centre Guidelines,” Federation Council’s director development and environmental services Susan Appleyard said.
“A 1.8m safety zone fence is located at the entrance to the building and also enclosing the rear play scape zone. The development has a maximum ridge height of 5,073mm, and a rendered and weatherboard cladding façade with a colour bond roof. The building is set 24.95m back off the property boundary, and the car park is also proposed to be set back 4m from the front boundary on Federation Avenue.
“The 4m setback is a landscaped area including an entry path, free standing sign and mail box. The removal of all vegetation, trees and shrubs is proposed for this section of the front boundary, retaining two trees on the North West boundary. A play farm area of 1,000m2 is proposed behind the 1,000m2 play scape area.”
Before councillors voted, Leea Swasbrick addressed council as her father’s representative, as the adjoining landholder. She said that her family has no objection to the childcare centre but expressed concern at the shared ROW, traffic and pedestrian movement and carparking.
“I would like council to ensure that any traffic servicing the childcare facility will not impede traffic flow to Lot 25 (family’s adjoining property) at any time,” Ms Swasbrick said.
“I would also implore council to plan for a better parking outcome than currently exists at the childcare facility in Dawe Street.” Council has received many complaints about safety and access regarding the Dawe Street childcare centre.
Deputy mayor Shaun Whitechurch said he was “certainly in favour of the development” and that the proposal is “another fine example of what’s occurring in the shire”.
But he sought assurance about the 12.19m access road. “It should be made a proper roadway to support future residential properties in the area,” he said.
“We are talking about growth and the fact we’ve got residential land within close proximity to the town centre we should be making every effort to allow development to continue.
“It’s certainly one area where development is going to occur.” Cr Whitechurch then expressed his concern about condition number 24 ‘Drainage Discharge Plan’ regarding a storm event with which he said every future developer must become acquainted.
Ms Appleyard again said the condition imposed conforms to Australian standards, adding there has to be capacity to take water away from the development through the drainage system.
In answer to a question from Cr Gail Law, Ms Appleyard said the minimum requirement concerning the proposed carparking allocation had been exceeded by three.
One submission was received objecting to the proposed development, therefore requiring full council consideration and decision; the 44 conditions imposed address those concerns.
“The proposed childcare centre will provide convenience and a benefit to some members of the community, that is, young families and childcare workers,” the director development and environmental services said.
“It is unlikely to adversely affect other members of the community. The proposal is considered to be in the public interest.”