93-95 Centre Dandenong Road, Cheltenham, VIC

There is a school in Avalon court making the area extremely congested at pickup/ drop off times. The road is a busy one and there is a set of traffic lights right in front of the property. This makes the proposed development unsuitable and unsafe for all concerned. Also the residents ( one of them my elderly mother) of this court will be extremely inconvenienced

I agree, this area is quite congested, and Center Dandi has also become very busy. Further traffic means that going in and out will be impossible. Also, how are they constructing a three-story building in a residential zone? This zone has a two-story limit.

This would be a great addition to the area. Centre Dandenong road is too busy and dangerous and we should have new speed limits implemented to protect the community, including the young and elderly. I would also love to see bike paths installed and the traffic further limited in this residential area which vulnerable populations close by.

As local residents near Coolac Street and Cheltenham East Primary School, we submit this objection to the proposed childcare development at 93-95 Centre Dandenong Road. While the developer asserts that
parking and traffic concerns have been adequately addressed, we highlight critical issues that contradict these assurances and raise concerns about the potential impact on our community.

Developer's Assertions
Adequate Provision of Onsite Parking
The developer states that 17 onsite car park spaces are sufficient for the proposed capacity of 106 children. They claim access way widths and turning spaces meet design
standards, and vehicular and pedestrian movements have been segregated to avoid conflict.
Traffic Impact on the Road Network
The traffic design has purportedly been approved by a traffic engineer, and the development is positioned to prevent interference with the role
and function of the road network.

Contradictory Details and Concerns
Inadequate Parking for the Facility’s Scale
A capacity of 106 children necessitates a higher volume of staff, parents, and visitors, particularly during peak drop-off and pick-up hours. The proposed 17 spaces fall significantly short of the demand, exacerbating congestion in surrounding streets such as Coolac Street and Centre Dandenong Road.

Existing Traffic and Congestion Issues
Cheltenham East Primary School already experiences significant congestion during school hours, as highlighted in its newsletters. Parents frequently park illegally, obstruct resident driveways, and fail to adhere to designated ‘No Standing’ zones and drop-off guidelines. The addition of this childcare center will amplify these challenges and jeopardize pedestrian safety, particularly for young children commuting to both the school and childcare.

Additionally, there is an existing childcare facility on Herald Street (Only About Children) that contributes significantly to local congestion during its own drop-off and pick-up times. This facility, located in close proximity to the proposed development, exacerbates the traffic load in the area. Introducing another childcare center will compound this issue, further overwhelming the local road network.

Impacts on Road Network Functionality
The assertion that traffic movements will be undisturbed overlooks the cumulative effect of simultaneous traffic activity from the school, the existing Herald Street childcare center, and the proposed facility. Streets such as Coolac Street, Silver Street, Herald Street, and Centre Dandenong Road are already strained during peak times, creating bottlenecks and increasing risks to pedestrian and vehicular safety.

Reasons for objection
Unrealistic Reliance on Onsite Carpark
Despite claims of sufficient turning and exit space within the carpark, overflow traffic is likely to resort to street parking, creating significant congestion and unsafe conditions, particularly during peak periods. Experience with similar facilities demonstrates that onsite carparks seldom accommodate the real-world traffic volumes seen during drop-off and pick-up times.

Community Impact and Infrastructure Strain
The broader Cheltenham community is already under pressure from overdevelopment and infrastructure projects such as the Suburban Rail Loop. Increased traffic density in the area is straining local infrastructure, and this development risks exacerbating these pressures rather than
addressing them.

Summary and Request
While we acknowledge the need for quality childcare facilities, this development fails to appropriately address parking and traffic concerns, especially in an area already burdened by Cheltenham East Primary
School and the Only About Children childcare facility on Herald Street. The proposed plans risk substantial disruption to residents, students, and commuters and undermine safety in the area.

We request a comprehensive traffic impact assessment that includes:

1) Data on real-world carpark demand for similar facilities.
2) Mitigation strategies for managing overflow parking and peak-time congestion.
3) Consideration of the cumulative impact alongside existing traffic demands from Cheltenham East Primary School and the Herald Street childcare facility. With a focus on child safety.
4) Installation of controlled traffic lights at the intersection of Centre Dandenong Road with Avalon Court and Tenham Grove, alongside the removal of the existing pedestrian lights. This would improve traffic flow and safety.
5) Construction of more parking bays along Silver Street (by the Cheltenham East Primary School sports ground).
6) Introduction of timed street parking (4 hours) around the school and childcare facilities.
7) Marked street parking bays in Coolac Street, Avalon Court, and surrounding streets.

Until such measures are implemented, we urge the council to reconsider approving this development as proposed.

Date 29th January 2025

Planning Department
City of Kingston

Subject: Objection to Planning Application [Application Number KP 2024/481 for Proposed Childcare Centre at 93-95 centre Dandenong road Cheltenham VIC 3192

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally object to the planning application KP 2024/481 for the development of a childcare centre at 93-95 Centre Dandenong Road Cheltenham VIC . As a resident of Cheltenham I have significant concerns regarding the potential impacts this development may have on our community. My objections are based on the following grounds:
1. Traffic and Parking Concerns:
• Increased Traffic Volume: The introduction of a childcare centre catering to for 106 children will likely result in a substantial increase in traffic during peak hours. This surge may lead to congestion on Avalon court and surrounding roads, posing safety risks for residents and pedestrians.
• Insufficient Parking Provisions: The proposed plan allocates 17 parking spaces, which may be inadequate for staff and parents during drop-off and pick-up times. This shortfall could result in overflow parking on residential streets, causing inconvenience to residents and potential safety hazards.
2. Noise Pollution:
• Outdoor Play Areas: The noise generated from outdoor play areas, especially during early morning and late afternoon sessions, could disrupt the peace and quiet that residents currently enjoy. This is particularly concerning for those who work from home, retirees, and individuals with young children.
3. Environmental and Aesthetic Impact:
• Loss of Green Space: The development may necessitate the removal of mature trees and green areas, adversely affecting local biodiversity and the visual appeal of the neighborhood.
• Building Scale and Design: The proposed structure’s scale and design may not align with the existing residential character of the area, leading to a potential decrease in property values and altering the suburb’s aesthetic.
4. Safety Concerns:
• Proximity to Busy Intersections: The proposed site is near the intersection of Centre Dandenong Road and Avalon court ,an area already prone to traffic incidents. The increased vehicular activity associated with the childcare centre could exacerbate safety risks for both drivers and pedestrians.
5. Alternative Locations:
• Availability of Other Sites: There may be more suitable locations within the municipality that are better equipped to handle the demands of a childcare centre without imposing on residential areas.

In light of these concerns, I respectfully request that the council carefully consider the potential negative impacts this development may have on the community. I urge the council to either reject the application.

Thank you for considering my objections. I am willing to discuss these concerns further and participate in any community consultations or meetings regarding this proposal.

Yours sincerely,
Peter

I am very concerned about two aspects of this proposal.
A. Car Parking in adjacent streets will bring congestion and noise from 6.00 am. Car doors and voices at that hour will disturb residents, particularly retirees and shift workers.
Currently our streets are usually fairly quiet up until about 8.00 am.
B. Traffic hazards involving entry and leaving of vehicles from the proposed Childcare Centre during peak times.

I contend that parking of a vehicle under the building would be such an unpleasant experience for some, that many people would opt for parking in an adjacent street and walking to the Centre.
The streets that are likely to feel this parking burden and pedestrian traffic are Coolac Street, Jarrahdale Street via the school grounds and Silver Street via the park. These streets are already very busy with limited parking servicing Cheltenham East Primary School.
Further, the traffic mayhem at peak times with vehicles entering and leaving Avalon court simultaneously would further deter people from driving into this bottle neck and the risks involved in driving out and so incentivising them to seek street parking and so exacerbating the current problems.

I have some suggestions,
a. Make the proposed underground carpark a thoroughfare, by constructing an exit driveway out of the carpark back onto Centre Dandenong Road at the existing pedestrian crossing.

b. The owner of the Childcare Centre might also consider a 'valet' style service whereby a child could be greeted by a staff member and taken inside to safety; this of course could be of good value during those peak morning times to shorten the time needed for a car to occupy a car park.

To be clear, I envisage vehicles travelling in easterly direction on Centre Dandenong Road turning left into Avalon Court and left again into the underground carpark at the proposed Childcare Centre to either park the car, or to hand over their child to staff.
This would make the car park more comfortable by having all traffic flowing in the one direction and avoiding a snarl with cars reversing and making U turns.
Vehicles would then continue up the driveway back onto Centre Dandenong Road, preferably turning left to avoid making a hazardous right turn to join the traffic on a very busy arterial road.
This would contribute greatly toward reducing congestion at the Avalon Court intersection with Centre Dandenong Road.

Also, I believe, we, the local community deserve a recent Car Parking assessment for this site and not having a proposal based on an assessment for Bambou ELC Childcare Centre located at 464 -466 Blackburn Road in Mt Waverley dated long ago on 17 October 2019.
Traffic density and vehicle types have changed over the past 6 years, with crew cab utilities and large SUVs now the most popular choice with new car buyers so they need to be included in an assessment.
Since the Mordialloc extension to the Mornington Peninsular Freeway was opened at the end of November 2021 traffic density has increased enormously and Centre Dandenong Road is a crazy busy arterial road. The road surface has deteriorated and is in need of repair adding to risks in leaving, entering or crossing it.
Motorcycles and bicycles present another set of hazards to themselves and others on this very busy road.

This commercial enterprise should not be foisted on us as a community, there must be better locations with safer access and less detractions to the amenity of our neighborhood.

I urge the Council to reject this proposal.

Regards, Alan

Received following email today. Adding as a comment - in case you have not received the email.

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A Planning Consultation Meeting between the applicant, objectors, ward councillors and council officers, is to be held for the above application for planning permit. These meetings are currently being held in an online platform via Zoom.

The details are as follows:-

Date & Time: Tuesday 4 March – 5:00pm-6:00pm

Zoom link, just click the link and the host will invite you into the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87550557980

Link to Advertised Plans and Agenda : ​Folder icon 93-95 Centre Dandenong Road, CHELTENHAM

Please log onto the Zoom meeting 5 minutes before the start time to make sure it is working correctly. The Planning Consultation Meeting will run for approximately 60mins and several parties are involved so please participate in a quiet location. During the meeting, the host will allow for each member of the party to address the group, if they wish to, but during other times you will be placed on mute by the chair to allow each individual to speak.

If you wish to address the group at other times, just raise your virtual Zoom hand (displayed in the Zoom menu bar at the bottom of the window) and the chairperson may provide you with an additional opportunity.

Please RSVP to the meeting by emailing planningapplications@kingston.vic.gov.au. In your RSVP please confirm if you wish to speak at the meeting. Depending on the amount of people who wish to speak, the time we can allocate to you will be limited.

If you have any questions about the application, then please contact the planner, ***** *****, on 9581 4561 or email ************@kingston.vic.gov.au

Trouble Shooting Tip for those experiencing Audio issues- The Planning Consultation meetings will include the ZOOM meeting ID below and a toll free phone number. The toll free number gives participants the ability to join the zoom meeting through your telephonic device for those experiencing technical difficulties with audio. This link will provide people with guidance as to how to use this feature and what buttons they can use to participate. https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362663-Joining-a-meeting-by-phone

Dial by your location +61 3 7018 2005 Australia

Meeting ID: 447 655 578 175

Thank you.

With Kind Regards,

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Planning Department
City of Kingston
PO Box 1000
Mentone VIC 3194

Subject: Formal Objection to Planning Application KP2024/481 (Amended) – Proposed Childcare Centre at 93–95 Centre Dandenong Road, Cheltenham VIC 3192

Dear Sir/Madam,

I write to formally object to the proposed development of a childcare centre at 93–95 Centre Dandenong Road, Cheltenham, under Planning Application KP2024/481. While the revised plan reduces the number of children to 81, significant concerns remain unaddressed, particularly regarding traffic, parking, safety, and the impact on vulnerable residents.

1. Traffic and Parking Congestion
Centre Dandenong Road is a heavily trafficked arterial route, further burdened by the proximity of Cheltenham East Primary School (Avalon Court) and an existing childcare facility on Herald Street. The school’s own newsletter (Issue 17) highlights persistent issues with illegal parking and misuse of ‘Kiss and Go’ zones on Silver and Coolac Streets, despite council enforcement efforts.

https://newsletters.naavi.com/i/MPbz7gN/issue-17/page/1

The proposed development will introduce additional peak-hour traffic, exacerbating congestion and increasing safety risks for children, pedestrians, and drivers. The presence of traffic lights directly in front of the site further complicates vehicle movements and increases the likelihood of bottlenecks.

2. Impact on Local Residents and Vulnerable Populations
Avalon Court is a quiet residential street with elderly residents, who will be directly affected by increased noise, traffic, and reduced access. The nearby RSL Retirement Village on Centre Dandenong Road houses many older individuals who rely on safe and predictable traffic conditions. The proposed development threatens their wellbeing and mobility.

3. Inadequate Parking Provision
The plan includes only 17 onsite car spaces, which is insufficient for staff, parents, and visitors during peak drop-off and pick-up times. Overflow parking will inevitably spill into surrounding residential streets, including Avalon Court, Coolac Street, and Silver Street—already strained by school traffic. This will lead to further illegal parking, blocked driveways, and increased frustration for residents.

4. Safety Risks
The cumulative traffic from the school, existing childcare centre, and the proposed facility creates a hazardous environment. The intersection of Centre Dandenong Road and Avalon Court is already problematic, and additional traffic will heighten the risk of accidents. The current road surface is deteriorating, and the mix of vehicles—including large SUVs, motorcycles, and bicycles—adds complexity to traffic management.

5. Planning and Zoning Concerns
The proposed three-storey structure exceeds the two-storey limit typical of residential zoning in the area. This raises concerns about overdevelopment and the erosion of the neighbourhood’s character and amenity.

Request for Council Action
In light of these concerns, I respectfully request that Kingston Council:

Reject the current proposal or defer approval until a comprehensive and updated traffic impact assessment is conducted.
Consider alternative locations better suited to accommodate a childcare facility without compromising residential safety and amenity.
Implement infrastructure improvements, including:
Controlled traffic lights at Avalon Court and Tenham Grove.
Additional parking bays near Cheltenham East Primary School.
Timed street parking and marked bays in surrounding streets.

The community is not opposed to childcare development in principle, but this proposal is unsuitable for the location and risks significant disruption to residents, school families, and vulnerable populations.

Thank you for considering this objection. I am available to discuss these concerns further and participate in any community consultation processes.

Yours sincerely,
Andrew Bryant

To City of Kingston ,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of a three-storey childcare centre at the 93-95 Centre Dandenong Rd Cheltenham .

The surrounding streets already experience significant traffic congestion, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. These roads currently service a primary school and childcare centre located approximately 400 metres away, as well as another primary school and childcare centre 700 metres along the same road. A further primary school. Importantly, all of these existing centres are single-storey buildings that align with the residential character of the neighbourhood.

Traffic volume in the area has already increased substantially due to the Moorabbin Business Centre, Costco and DFO precinct, making it increasingly difficult—and often unsafe—for residents attempting to turn onto Centre Dandenong Road. Adding a large commercial development of this scale will only worsen an already strained traffic network.

The proposed building height of three storeys also exceeds the residential zoning limit of two storeys. A structure of this scale will sit directly on a pedestrian crossing, creating a significant safety concern. Many children walk or ride to school along this route, travelling past the proposed site to reach the school entrance on Avalon Court. Increased vehicle activity and the likelihood of “drop-and-run” behaviour from parents would further compromise child safety.

Cheltenham already has 13 childcare centres within close proximity of the proposed development. The need for an additional centre of this size in an already well-serviced area is therefore questionable, especially when it comes at the cost of local amenity, neighbourhood character, and community safety.

Residents purchased homes in this area with the reasonable expectation of living within a quiet residential neighbourhood—not beside a large commercial development that will dramatically change the streetscape. Allowing this development would erode the community feel, negatively impact surrounding homes, and significantly worsen traffic conditions that are already unbearable during peak times.

For these reasons, I strongly urge Council to reject this application and ensure the zoning remains residential. Protecting the character, safety, and liveability of our community must remain a priority.

Thank you for considering this submission.

Sincerely,

To every objector to this child care centre and any other child care centre to be built, don't waste your time. Your council will not hear you, and going to Vcat is only a waste of your time. With the federal Gov offering free child care, many more of these centres will spring up everywhere. Look at the appeals in the Vcat website, not one Council permit was overturned. What will happen if a future change of gov will scrap this hand out, it remains to be seen. We had one built in our quiet residential Templestowe Lower street which has only elderly residents living in it. It is now so difficult coming in and reversing out of driveways with cars parked on both sides of the street. Council doesn't care.
Even if Council rejects a planning application, Vcat will allow it.
Nobody cares.

Good news. The Kingston City Council has rightfully rejected the planning application for the proposed development at 93-95 Centre Dandenong Road, Cheltenham. This outcome is a testament to the collective efforts and voices of our community members who stood united to express their concerns about the development. A special thanks to the residents of Avalon Court for their unwavering determination and leadership in rallying the community to oppose this unsuitable proposal. This is what true community spirit looks like – collaborating to protect the character, safety, and liveability of the neighborhood we all call home.

The decision reflects a much-needed acknowledgment of the valid objections raised by many local residents. Traffic congestion, insufficient parking, and safety risks were consistently highlighted areas of concern. As numerous members of our community pointed out, roads near the proposed development site already suffer significant issues, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up hours due to the presence of nearby primary schools and an existing childcare center. The added strain of another childcare facility in this location would have had a serious impact on traffic flow and safety for pedestrians, including schoolchildren and the elderly.

Further, objections focused on the excessive scale of the proposed three-story development, which would be out of line with the local two-story residential zoning limit. The potential for increased noise, loss of green space, and strain on infrastructure were key points of contention, and it’s evident that the council shared our concerns about these risks to our neighborhood.

Looking forward, as a community, we must remain vigilant and engaged, as further proposals could arise. We must emphasise the importance of comprehensive planning, thoughtful infrastructure improvements, and collaboration between developers, council, and residents to ensure that new projects align with our neighborhood's needs and character.

This decision was a huge milestone, reflective of the strength in our unity. Let’s continue to stand firm for what is best for our community and its future. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write in, attend meetings, and make their voices heard. Together, we’ve shown that the power of community can truly make a difference. Let’s keep up the great work and remain involved for the benefit of us all. And let's hope VCAT doesn't overturn this decision.