269 Old Warrandyte Road Ringwood North VIC 3134

I live in a street adjacent to Old Warrandyte Road, right near this point. Traffic is terrible as it is right now! I am strongly against this idea of using this corner for a childcare centre. Teaffic along old warrandyte road is often backed up at peak times almost up to my street, the intersection from OWR onto Tortice Drive is dangerous and extremely congested. To do a drop off for kids in the morning to local kinder and schools takes much longer than the 5 minute drive it should take without traffic.This development will make this area even more congested to local traffic due to people using the area as a thoroughfare and for childcare drop off. I hold great concerns for local foot traffic (especially children walking to bus stops or to school) due to the lack of safe crossing points and drivers taking risks to get through traffic. Much better sites exist for this project, including the land in Parkwood (with the community centre existing already) that sits empty but already equipped with parking and access points.

This corner needs to be developed purely for greater access to Warrandyte Road, not for projects that make a problematic point worse. Please consult local residents before going ahead with plans.

This is a residential road with no other commercial businesses operating.

This is an already congested position on Old Warrandyte Road, I often wait 15 minutes to get onto Tortice Drive in order to take my children to school. It is lacking in the infrastructure (traffic management) needed to support the extra traffic to this road.

Without the installation of pedestrian crossings (something that is already lacking) this is simply not feasible to the families that live within this area.

The two other childcare services operating within 1km of this site mean that it is not essential to give licence for another business of type to be beneficial to the wider community.

Good evening,
I write in regards to Planning Application PLN22/0285 - Use and development of the land for a child care centre and vegetation removal (hereinafter referred to as the "Application").

As a local resident and user of Old Warrandyte Rd, Tortice Dr, and Warrandyte Rd, I wish to raise my objection to this Application. I hold serious concerns for the detrimental and negative impact that granting of this Application will bring to our local area.

Firstly, I am disappointed that Council's website makes available no Documents related to this Application, so the public cannot even properly review the proposal.

Attempting to obtain Documents relating to the Application results in an error:
"Obtaining data: The results cannot be returned as they are outside the bounds of the limiting Saved Search."

Secondly, I am concerned by this proposal to construct a childcare centre in a location which is currently so poorly served by public infrastructure. This area lacks any footpaths, bicycle lanes/paths, pedestrian crossings, accessible and frequent public transport, etc. and as such is highly car-dependent. Despite this car dependency, the local road infrastructure is very poor which results in significant and extensive traffic congestion, particularly during peak times at the intersections of Old Warrandyte Rd x Tortice Dr, and Tortice Dr x Warrandyte Rd.

This creates many issues, the most significant of which is that of air pollution. It is not appropriate to construct a childcare centre in a location where toxic exhaust is being generated by traffic, mere metres away from where children are learning and playing. This will have serious, lasting detrimental health impacts to the children who attend the proposed childcare centre.

Further, it is inappropriate to develop a childcare centre where access to active and sustainable transport options are so poor. This is particularly true in light of the climate emergency we face, a climate emergency which Council declared on 28 Jan 2020.

Old Warrandyte Rd has no footpath in this location, and the area immediately surrounding is unsafe and impenetrable on foot - and downright dangerous on a bicycle. Whilst there are two bus routes nearby (#271/#303 and #364), neither are accessible due to the lack of safe infrastructure between the bus stops and the proposed childcare location, and the services are too infrequent and too unreliable to be useful.

Parents and caregivers using active and sustainable transport options such as walking, cycling, or catching the bus with their children to childcare should be the preferred, default, and normal option. Vehicular access must serve as a backup. As it stands, active and sustainable transport options are simply unviable and hence vehicular access is necessitated. This will only result in further congestion of the above-mentioned intersections, and cause further detrimental impacts not only to the surrounding local community but also to the children who attend the proposed childcare.

Further, the Application references "vegetation removal", but again as Council have not made available any Documents related to the Application, the public cannot establish the extent of proposed vegetation removal. Given the location in our Green Wedge, every tree which can be retained - must be retained. Council must also ensure that where trees must be removed, the development will result in additional trees of higher value replacing the trees which are lost.

In contrast to other objectors who have raised their concerns regarding the mixing of Commercial and Residential land uses in this area, I have no objection to this. I believe that a neighbourhood can be improved when it features a healthy mix of appropriate developments that serve the community, and a childcare centre located in a residential area is not automatically inappropriate. However, in order to be appropriate, it must be supported by the right public infrastructure - and this must be in-place before the land is developed.

Council has the opportunity to use this development as a catalyst to improve the local infrastructure of this area, and any approval of this Application must be conditional upon the Applicant making significant contributions to Council's relevant infrastructure fund, combined with a Council which is progressive and willing to put design plans to tender and construction in a reasonable and prompt timeframe.

No construction of a childcare centre should commence until after such time as the local area features safe bicycle and pedestrian access on both sides of Old Warrandyte Rd, Tortice Dr, and Warrandyte Rd. This must include safe, continuous connections and crossings between the proposed childcare to Mahon Reserve, Quamby Rd Reserve, Quambee Reserve, the #364 bus, and #271/#303 bus as a bare minimum.

Creating these safe and continuous connections would involve
1. Providing an intersection upgrade at Old Warrandyte Rd x Tortice Dr including:
-- raised intersection with pedestrian/bicycle priority crossings (aka "wombat crossing") of Old Warrandyte Rd and Tortice Dr
-- footpath connection to the #271/#303 bus stop on the eastern side of Warrandyte Rd
-- separate left/right turn lanes to exit Old Warrandyte Rd,
-- Shared User Path (SUP) from Mahon Reserve, across Tortice Dr, along the western side of Old Warrandyte Rd, to Quamby Rd,
-- continuous pedestrian footpath from 4 Old Warrandyte Rd to Little John Rd along the eastern side of Old Warrandyte Rd
-- Pedestrian priority crossing of Old Warrandyte Rd at Quamby Rd
-- SUP connection down Quamby Rd to Quamby Rd Reserve and into Quambee Reserve

2. Providing an upgraded and signalised intersection at Tortice Dr x Warrandyte Rd, including:
-- continuous footpath connection from 251 Warrandyte Rd, past the #271/#303 bus stop on the western side of Warrandyte Rd, and meeting the recently-constructed footpath at 664-666 Warrandyte Rd
-- signalised pedestrian crossing of all three legs of the intersection

Council's failure to plan for the necessary infrastructure to support this proposed development will undoubtedly result in poor outcomes for everyone who lives, works, and plays in the area, and will significantly degrade the neighbourhood character and amenity whilst further entrenching car dependence. This is unsustainable and inappropriate, especially in the face of a climate emergency.

I urge Council to
1. Release the Documents for this Application so the public can properly understand what is proposed,
2. Make good on its 28 Jan 2020 declaration of a climate emergency, and respond to that by ensuring the approval of this Application is subject to conditions which ensure positive and sustainable outcomes for all, and
3. Consult the community at each step of the way.

I look forward to Council's prompt and considered response to this objection

Kind regards
Shaun Ruigrok
0410 796 647

It’s already a nightmare to get out of Old Warrandyte Road and turn right onto tortice drive during peak hours.
I object.

As a resident of Old Warrandyte Road I am vehemently opposed to the proposal of a child care centre in our street.

- As outlined by others our area fails to operate well with the current load of traffic during peak times. The current and even proposed future infrastructure doesn't allow for additional development especially one of this scale.
- Not only will local residents be put at a major disadvantage with the increase in traffic, our local buses (364, 271 and 303 buses) will be effected greatly by the increase in wait times at the intersections of Old Warrandyte Road/Tortice Drive and at Tortice Drive/Ringwood Warrandyte Road.
- Residents of Jull Parade will also not be happy with the increase in traffic, as many drivers cut through their road to avoid the bottleneck at Ringwood Warrandyte /Tortice Drive.
- Old Warrandyte Road is a residential street. No commercial properties exist along our street.
- Safety - there is no adequate parking nor footpaths to allow for such an enterprise.
- Our area is strongly opposed to the unnecessary removal of vegetation. We have all bought into this area for the leafy aspect. The introduction of such a enterprise will then open the floodgates for others to do the same thing and ruin our street appeal.
- Surely there are better options already in place for such an enterprise - such that those on Tortice Drive at the old Parkwood school.
- The area is served by 19 Child care centres locally. We do not need another one.
- Local residents, especially those close to 269 Old Warrandyte Road have bought in the area not expecting a commercial development to someday be approved. The value of our houses will be considerably effected if such a development is permitted to go ahead.

It is also my understanding that the proposal submitted has many erroneous points listed. The site is not a corner site. Nor is it local to a park. It is not set up to be a commercial site.

While as a new parent I'd appreciate more childcare facilities that are accessible to Wonga Park, the proposed location already struggles with congestion.
The addition of such a facility will only further add to the issues that many have already listed here.

As a long time resident of the Old Warrandyte rd area, I oppose the use of 269 Old Warrandyte rd property for childcare.
Egress from Old Warrandyte rd onto Warrandyte rd is already a problematic bottleneck which will only be exacerbated by the extra traffic that a childcare centre at this location would bring.

Old Warrandyte rd is also not ideal for roadside parking. Will the amount of parking onsite guarantee no overspill parking of parents of children and employees of the centre parking on the roadside?

There must be more suitable sites in the local area for a childcare centre, if another one is required, than 269 Old Warrandyte rd.

As a local resident I believe that this location is irresponsible as the traffic around the old warrandyte road/tortice drive intersections are all ready congested.
There are much better locations for this.

As a local resident of warranwood who uses Old Warrandyte Rd regularly, I object to this development. The intersection of Old Warrandyte Rd and Tortice Dr already doesn't currently cope with traffic at peak times, this is just adding another huge influx of traffic to roads that already can not cope. This will be disastrous for local residents and traffic management.

As a resident I believe it will be disastrous to have a child care constructed here. It will make the streets very congested and traffic issues.

We have so many child care centres in close approximately from here.

With reference to the proposed childcare centre at 269 Old Warrandyte Rd Ringwood North. I wish to object to this inappropriate commercial development within our residential zoned neighbourhood. If approved I’m concerned that this will potentially be the first of other commercial applications to council. I object for the following reasons;

TRAFFIC CONGESTION
As a long term resident of the street I have watched the traffic dramatically increase with the opening of new housing estates that feed onto Old Warrandyte road. The road infrastructure has not changed in the 28 years that I’ve lived on this road, with the exception of speed humps. The addition of potentially another 121 cars (106 child placements and 15 staff) trying to access and exit this childcare centre at peak time. This is especially relevant when the proposed childcare centre will be located 3 properties back from Tortice Drive. This will make the current congestion at this end of the road significantly worse and more dangerous.

ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE.
As mentioned above the road infrastructure has not changed. This now busy road is still a narrow two lane road. There are no real footpaths, kerb and channel drainage or provision for roadside car parking without blocking the road lane and therefore making the roads even more congested. This road infrastructure is generally what Low Density Residential Zones (LDRZ) have. However this zoning is not along the whole road and higher density properties have been added along this road or enter off other roads into Old Warrandyte Rd. The childcare centre will complicate the existing traffic congestion with cars trying to enter and exit the property during peak times.

CAR PARKING.
There is no real legal car parking along this road. Generally in the vicinity of the proposed childcare centre, illegal car parking occurs on the nature strip and across the gravel footpath. If one looks at the plans for this development, the proposed 23 car off street car parking is very poorly designed with 10 staff car parks (for 15 staff) that are blocked in by the 13 clients parking spaces. It is very tight and dangerous car park for small children exiting the car. It is highly likely that clients will be tempted to park illegally on the nature strips and footpath out front due to insufficient off street parking or for convenience and ease of parking. It will make this congested road more significantly more congested and dangerous with cars entering the already congested lane. The possibility of small children on the roadside will further add to the pedestrian danger and driver distraction.

PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC
No sealed footpath and a road without kerb and channel drainage means that the footpath, nature strip and the road join as one. This results in easy illegal roadside parking. The current situation will dramatically worsen in the vicinity of the child care centre and pose a danger for families walking along our street.

NEW PRECEDENT SET FOR OUR ROAD.
I have concerns with this development as it will be the first commercial only property in the street, it is likely to be seen as a precedent by developers and council. I assume other residents like myself have purchased in this residential zoned area to live in a lovely tree covered and semi rural location. I have paid a premium to live in this location and I put up with the poor road infrastructure as just part of the semi rural area. I’m sure my neighbours in this street don’t want to have the next commercial development located next door to them, or to deal with the increased traffic a commercial business generates.

NOISE, OVERLOOKING AND LOSS OF PRIVACY.
Having an adjoining property to the development, I have additional objections. The plans show significant overlooking into my property in particular from outdoor play areas on a large balcony and the large ramp to the outside grass play area that runs along the boundary fence providing unhindered view of our yard. This results in total loss of privacy and quiet enjoyment of my outside yard area. The noise of 120 children playing up to 12 hours per day will provide no enjoyment to us, the immediate neighbours. Commercial heating and cooling equipment will most likely add to this noise issue.

I have further objections that I will add when the development is officially advertised and objections called for.

As a long time resident of old Warrandyte rd I strongly oppose this proposal , with increased traffic in such a congested bottleneck the safety of walkers and children that will attend the proposed centre will be compromised . Catering for 106 children and up to 15 staff the parking spaces are completely inadequate it will force people to park across driveways as does happen now .I strongly urge council reject this proposal as it is completely inappropriate development for this location , with other more suitable site's such as the old Packwood secondary school . These are only a few of my concerns in regards to this proposal of which I have many .

I would like to note my objection for this child care center.
This location is already so congested and adding potentially another 100 cars in and out of this house will add to it so much.
This road has no proper foot path and if people are crossing over tortoise drive it is so dangerous.
Thanks

As a nearby resident I would like to share I do not support the development of the new childcare centre on Old Warrandyte Rd. I believe the centre will disrupt the tranquillity of our beautiful area by the increased noise pollution and traffic congestion. The current infrastructure does not support this type development. Furthermore, I believe we have far too many childcare centres within the vicinity.

As a resident of Old Warrandyte Rd who already battles with terrible vehicle congestion, I am STRONGLY opposed to the planned "Childcare Centre" as proposed by FD Architects of Clayton in PLN22/0285.
My objection is made primarily on the grounds of:
- Health & Safety
- Traffic Congestion
- Environmental Impact
For all the reasons stated in the previous protests listed on this page, and many more that will be submitted as a formal objection when the application is published, I encourage Council Members to deny this Application before it costs ratepayers (Council) to defend the strong & legitimate objections that the neighbourhood has.

The proposed location for this new childcare centre is preposterous. The middle of a leafy, suburban street, surrounded by long term home owners is NOT the place for a large childcare centre. It will it cause massive problems with traffic in the already busy peak morning times, when turning right out of Old Warrandyte Rd onto Tortice Drive is already difficult. Additionally, there are a number of childcare centres within such a close proximity, it is unnecessary in this location.

I am opposed to the proposed childcare development. Traffic congestion is already chaotic and see this development will only exacerbate the situation. We are long term residents and have seen the area develop, often without proper attention to traffic management. I agree with matters raised by other residents, but wish to add one other view, that relating to emergency evacuation from the area.
It frightens me to think that in the event of bush fire we have limited exit roads from the area.
Following Ash Wednesday the CFA advised us fire would have taken 8 minutes to travel from Warrandyte to Warranwood on that day.
On school mornings it can take 15 minutes to exit Old Warrandyte Rd into Tortice Drive, then wait to enter Warrandyte Road, let alone with all local residents trying to exit at the same time.
I object to any business being constructed on Old Warrandyte Road as it will add to the congestion. There is plenty of space at the old Parkwood Secondary School on Tortice Drive.

As per abv I’m on other side of old warrandyte rd and cars fly down to miss tortice traffic and go down hall rd. We have kids playing and adding more speeding cars is crazy. It s already a cut through for so many and this will make peak times crazy. Need to find a way to reduce traffic not increase it.

I work in Tortice drive and can say that the traffic at peak hour times is already horrific for Old Warrandyte Road! I think adding another 100 cars a day would be a huge issue for local residents.

Regarding the proposed Childcare facility at 269 Old Warrandyte Road, Ringwood North, I am opposed to this construction. I am
objecting it as a resident and frequent user of roads in this area because it will cause severe traffic congestion, already a major and dangerous issue on both the corner of Old Warrandyte Rd and Tortice Drive and Tortice Drive and Warrandyte Rd.
There are already three childcare centres on Warrandyte Rd and Wonga Rd/Major St, all within 1km of this proposed centre. I do not support this proposal.

As a resident of Old Warrandyte Road I am opposed to the construction of the childcare facility.

Old Warrandyte Road is already an extremely busy road, there are already major safety concerns at peak times on both old Warrandyte road and Tortice drive as it is.

There are already 3 childcare centre’s within 1km of the proposed new centre.

Real change needs to be made to this road to ease congestion as it is, adding this or any business to the residential area will only make matters worse.

In regard to the proposed Childcare facility at 269 Old Warrandyte Road, Ringwood North, I am opposed to this construction.
As per all of the other comments, construction of such a facility would demonstrate a clear lack of careful planning taking into account the residential nature of the road. I live on Old Warrandyte Rd so, like others, experience the traffic congestion onto Tortice drive during peak times. The developers should consider an alternative location in an area that will cater much better for the traffic flow and other associated environmental impacts.

My elderly father (95)is currently residing next door at 271 Old Warrandyte Road under the care of sister and brother in law. I visit him a few times a week. He is not in good health and needs rest. His room is adjacent to the outdoor play area which would be extremely noisy with children actively yelling and playing at volume. This is very distressing to him and the family. The increase in traffic on Old Warrandyte Road would only exacerbate the delay in getting out of the street into Tortice Drive which is already a problem. Wheeling dad around the street would be a nightmare with the additional traffic. I am also concerned that the future value of the property would be at risk. Potential buyers could be put off by living next door to a child care centre. This is not the spot for a child care centre. There would be better options in a less populated area. People live in these larger allotments for the space and tranquility not to hear the constant noise from hundreds of children.

As a thirty year resident of Old Warrandyte Road, I also wish to express my objection to the proposed child care centre. Over the years traffic along Old Warrandyte Road has increased exponentially. This has created long delays especially at the corner of Old Warrandyte and Tortice Drive. A ten to fifteen minute delay is not unusual during busy times, e.g. school hours. This is exacerbated by full sized buses attempting to turn into and out of Old Warrandyte Road, a narrow two lane carriageway. This build up of traffic at the intersection has meant that the Hall Road end of Old Warrandyte Road has become a rat run for vehicles wishing to avoid long delays at Tortice Drive. Over our time here the only improvement as such has been the installation of speed humps. There are no sealed footpaths or off road parking and I have witnessed mothers with prams having to walk along the road as the bush track is non-navigable. I am also aware of several falls by older people because of tree roots exposed on the inadequate pathway. I feel there are sufficient child care facilities in the immediate area without causing property devaluation and stress to residents in the immediate vicinity.

As a local resident of Mina Ct, which intersects Old Warrandyte Rd, I object to this planning application.

We chose our home because of the quiet, leafy community minded location. We enjoy the ruggard look and feel of OWR. The owners adjacent to this proposed commercial enterprise are entitled to quiet enjoyment of their property. The traffic noise, car doors slamming, screaming kids and carers calling out at different times of the day would be intolerable. This noise pollution would likely begin at 6:00am and persist until 7:00pm. This development will reduce the value of surrounding properties.

This location cannot handle any more traffic. We are still waiting for lights at the corner of Tortice Rd and Ringwood Warrandyte Rd. It was proposed to be finished by July 2022.

Removal of vegetation will further damage the habitat of local wildlife. The recent destruction of the orchards at the corner of Little John and Old Warrandyte Rd’s already displaced multiple echidnas who were found distraught and dehydrated in Mina Ct and on Old Warrandyte Rd trying to rehome themselves in the stormwater drains.

There are plenty of childcare services in the area already. Learning sanctuary on Ringwood Warrandyte Rd is just a few metres away. Kalinda Childcare is just a couple of km away.

As a resident of Old Warrandyte Road, our family of 4, do not wish to see a child care centre along this particular road/neighbourhood. Unfortunately, there is no facility to upload pictures or videos. If possible, someone should be on site to view the traffic flow(Old Warrandyte road and Tortice Rd, that flows to Ringwood-Warrandyte Rd) during the morning peak hours. The traffic is horrendous.

Like others above have mentioned, there are a few Child care centre within proximity.

We moved from the inner city (Burwood) and to bought into quiet, leafy Ringwood North about 8 years ago, just to get away from all the rush, crowd and busier lifestyle.

As an active working with children volunteer, NO Child Care centre along Old Warrandyte Road, a residential zone, please. Thank you.

Regarding Planning Application PLN22/0285 - Use and development of the land for a child care centre and vegetation removal (hereinafter referred to as the "Application").

I object to the development of the property as a child care centre. The increase in traffic is sufficient reason not to proceed with the project. The many detailed submissions objecting to the proposal give very clear reasons why it should not go ahead. The narrow road, traffic congestion and lack of footpaths make the operation of a childcare centre a significant safety concern. Escape routes in case of a bushfire would be disastrous. The use of the Parkwood site is a much better option.

I am writing to you to present my formal objection and concerns regarding the proposed Childcare centre to be located on 269 Old Warrandyte Rd Ringwood North (Manningham Planning Application PLN22/0285).

Firstly, as I live on the Maroondah City council side of Old Warrandyte Rd, the council has failed to communicate to all effect residents. They should show more consideration on a boundary roads between 2 councils as we are all still residents of Melbourne.

I formally object to this business being allowed to operate in a quiet suburban residential side street.

My objection is based on the following concerns:

Road Safety
- The congestion at the end of Old Warrandyte Road at peaks times is already extremely heavy. Adding at least another 100 plus cars to the end of Old Warrandyte Road at peaks times will add on time to all residents’ daily commutes – this can already take 5-10minutes to get onto Tortice drive at peaks times due to traffic and busses along Tortice Drive.
- The condition of the road is already a major issue, with markings on potholes to be fixed for over 12motnhs, with the extra traffic of 106 children being dropped off and 15 staff, it is causing me anxiety to how much more damage there will be on the Road. Having only recently had a tire blow on the road due to the potholes, which was an extremely scary experience.
- The extra 100 plus cars parking on the road or nature strips, increasing the likelihood of car accidents, as the proposal is only providing 23 car parking spaces – including 15 reserved for staff, the numbers do not add up and the impact is on the residents has not been consider in the proposal.
- Car parking is only allowing for 13 spots for people dropping off children at the proposed childcare centre, 15 are allocated to staff, this will not only increase the parking on the side street it will also increase Pedestrian Safety Issues with people attending the proposed childcare parking across the road and walking into traffic
- The road is already very narrow, it is difficult to pass a bus or parked car as you must go onto the other side of the Road and there is not guttering on the Manningham side of Old Warrandyte Road – increasing the likelihood of car accidents and damage to residents’ vehicles.

Neighbourhood character & physiological impacts on residents
- We didn’t purchase a home on a major road or next to business, we all live on a quiet suburban residential side street that has an amazing suburban atmosphere that will be forever, irreversibly change and not in a positive way by allowing a business to operate.
- Our local community spirt that has only become greater during the Covid-19 lock downs and the negative physiological impacts this is having on residents is something felt by all of us and hasn’t been considered in this proposal, it’s simply about someone making money. Having a childcare centre simply allows for further business to be allowed along a quite suburban street which does not need another childcare centre with so many nearby.

Surplus childcare providers
- There are over 20 childcare/day care facilities within a 5.5km radius of 269 Old Warrandyte Road, this demonstrates that there is already surplus within the area.

Property Values
- Having spoken to several local real estate agents on this matter, they have all agree this will greatly diminish the value of the properties directly around the childcare and the entire street as it then enables other business to be placed along the quiet suburban residential side street.
- Also, the associate guarantee traffic congestion along Old Warrandyte Road and Tortice Drive will also decrease the value of properties.

Health Concerns – On-site wastewater management systems (OWMS)
- The Manningham side of Old Warrandyte Road is not connected to the mains sewerage system and the properties operate under On-site wastewater management systems (commonly known as septic tank systems) a permit from council is required to construct, install or alter an on-site wastewater management system (OWMS) with a design or actual flow rate of sewage not more than 5000L on any day, has this been approved by the EPA to cater for 106 children and 15 adults?
- I am concerned that Part 5.7 of the Environment Protection Regulations 2021 which has ongoing obligations on a person in management or control of an OWMS. These include an obligation to operate the system correctly, maintain it in good working order, and ensure it does not overflow will not be meet by the childcare centre.
- There is also a new duty to keep maintenance records (and provide them to councils when requested), and a duty to notify a council as soon as practicable if the system poses a risk of harm to human health or the environment or is otherwise not in good working order, will this occur if it risks the closure of the business that is there to make money?

Can you please provide details of the type of On-site wastewater management system being proposed?

As a local resident living off Tortice Drive I am writing to join others in my community in expressing objection to the proposed childcare centre on 269 Old Warrandyte road.
My main reasons are traffic congestion and number of nearby childcare centres already available. Therefore this proposal will not benfit the community in any way.
It is extremely dissapointing that this proposal even be considered while local residents have waited, and are still left waiting, for a proper and safe intersection at Tortice road and Ringwood-Warrandyte road. Many buses, both public and school also use this route. Old Warrandyte road is not built for the current traffic, let alone a huge increase this childcare centre would cause.
In speaking with people in the neighbourhood it is clear this is upsetting for many who live in this area.

I have recently returned from a holiday in Queensland and was shocked to learn that an application has been submitted to the council for a Child Care Centre to be built at 269 Old Warrandyte Rd Ringwood North.

Let me state from the outset that I object to the proposed building of a Child Care Centre at this location for the following reasons:

1. Traffic congestion – Old Warrandyte Rd is a narrow 2 lane road without kerbing or properly constructed footpaths. Currently during peak periods vehicle access to the Tortice Drive/ Warrandyte Road intersections from Old Warrandyte Road often takes 10 minutes with cars being banked up for several hundred metres. With an expected increase of 100 or so vehicles entering and exiting the Child Care Centre, many of which would be during the peak period, this will undoubtbley exacerbate the traffic congestion problem.

2. Inadequate parking – It is proposed that the child care centre have 23 parking spaces to cater for 15 staff and 106 children. This is inadequate on the basis that the majority of the children will arrive and leave the centre within close proximity of each other. Hence the car park will be full and those parents who not able to access the car park will need to park elsewhere, viz:

On Old Warrandyte Road thereby creating a dangerous traffic hazard because the road is so narrow, further adding to the congestion. if cars are parked on both sides of the road it is possible that large vehicles, eg the bus and garbage truck will not be able to get past the parked cars .

On the footpath or naturestrip (illegal). If this was to occur on a regular basis both the footpath and the naturestrip would be severely damaged.

Across or on residents driveways (also Illegal)

3. Loss of Vegetation – There are a number of established trees on the property. However, it is proposed that vegetation be removed to accommodate the child care centre. This should not be allowed to occur as too much of our vegetation has already been removed in the area and is slowly destroying the environment. Many of the large parcels of land within the vicinity of the proposed child centre have modern McMansions with little or no vegetation. An acre of lawn with several shrubs around the perimeter of the house or across the front of the property is not vegetation. The child care centre should not be an addition to this trend.

Trevor Warren

I live behind Quamby Reserve and absolutely agree that there should not be a childcare centre built on 269 OWR now or ever. Apart from the reasons that have been stated most articulately by all, another reason is the mental well being of the local residents. Undoubtedly their will be conflicts between residents and childcare patrons as people will park across or in driveways. I will now have to plan my journey to go to the North Ringwood shops to buy a loaf of bread.