To whom it may concern,
As a resident on Cardinal Avenue, I vehemently object to the construction of a childcare centre on the corner of Cardinal Avenue and Grace Avenue in Beecroft. According to the childcare planning guideline NSW Gazette No. 501 (https://gazette.nsw.gov.au/gazette/2021/10/2021-501.pdf) the proposed development has not observed the recommendations therein, particularly relating to safety and site location, as outlined articulately by another resident (left in our mailbox as a typed letter).
I agree (with the other resident's letter) that children are picked up between 5-6.30 pm (they are not picked up earlier like school children at 3 pm as it is for working families). Additionally, the site suggested currently has a a three bedroom house, so I am confused how in such a limited space, there will be enough space per capita (according to the Gazette guidelines) to accommodate upwards of 60 children and caregivers.
Gazette Planning objectives are to promote high quality planning and design of childcare facilities in accordance with the physical requirements of the National regulations, ensure they are compatible with the siting landscape context and neighbouring land issues and to minimise any adverse impacts on adjoining properties and the adjoining neighbourhood including the natural and built environment. THIS IS NOT THE CASE WITH THE PROPOSED CHILDCARE CENTRE.
Grace Avenue is narrow and a no-through road. Constructing a childcare centre on the corner of the only exit for Grace Avenue is EXTREMELY hazardous one. Exit would be especially difficult when parents are queuing to drop off and pick up their children. A number of children walk to local schools and cross across Grace Avenue, creating a very dangerous traffic environment.
While the development proposal allows for additional parking within the proposed childcare centre, the exit for the parking doesn't meet the regulatory standards. This is because the gradient is too steep providing no visibility for exiting cars being able to see pedestrians. Additionally, the fact that the proposed childcare entrance is less than 10 metres from Cardinal Avenue means that it defies NSW
recommendations and guidelines and therefore children's safety would be compromised.
Many of the residents on Cardinal Avenue and Grace Avenue are elderly. Where was the consideration for the existing residents of the neighbourhood?
With kind regards,
Shrabastee Mallik
