56 Rutledge St Eastwood NSW 2122

I have lived in this neighbourhood for many years, and this address is arguably the worst location for a childcare centre. Don't get me wrong—I love children and understand the need for essential childcare facilities in our growing community just like medium to high density housing. However, placing one on the busiest road in the area, with all the pollution, traffic hazards, and vibrations, and right next to a heritage site, is far from acceptable.

I have only spent a few hours reviewing the DA, but I have already identified several issues. Please feel free to add more if you can.

I am also organising a petition to the council to oppose this DA. Let me know if you'd like to be part of it. My email address is jason.wall1801@gmail.com.

Below are my reasons for objection, and I encourage all my fellow neighbours to raise your concerns directly with Ryde Council and through your newly elected councillors!

1. Unacceptable Traffic Impact A: This site is located on the busiest road in Eastwood—Rutledge Street. The traffic conditions are bound to worsen with the ongoing development of the Eastwood Shopping Centre and duplexes in nearby residential areas. I have personally witnessed several accidents and near misses on Rutledge Street, including pedestrians and cars trying to cross the road. All the intersections in this neighbourhood are controlled by stop or give-way signs, rather than roundabouts or traffic lights, which will become even more dangerous with the increased traffic from the childcare centre.

2. Unacceptable Traffic Impact B: Although the DA proposes that traffic will enter and exit from Rutledge Street with a left-in, left-out approach, this will redirect traffic onto local roads like Wentworth Road, Campbell Street, and Tarrants Avenue. Imagine if you need to enter from westbound Rutledge Street. You would first have to turn right into Wentworth Road, travel down Campbell Street, then Tarrants Avenue, before turning back onto Rutledge Street to finally drive into the centre. These are quiet, narrow streets that cannot accommodate the increased traffic. Can you imagine 70 parent cars and 15+ staff vehicles coming in and out every morning and afternoon? This is unacceptable and unfair to the residents, not to mention the safety risks for schoolchildren walking home from the nearby public school.

3. Unacceptable Impact on Local Heritage: The neighbouring property at 31 Campbell Street is a local heritage item. The proposed childcare centre, with its large outdoor balcony and colourful decorations, creates an unacceptable visual impact that is incompatible with the heritage aesthetic of the property and the community. Furthermore, I have not seen any report from a heritage professional assessing the proposal’s impact on the existing heritage property and approved addition, including overshadowing, solar access, and noise to the living areas.

4. Unacceptable Noise, Vibration, and Air Pollution Impact on Children: The site fronts the busiest road in the area, and the noise, vibrations, and air pollution caused by current and future traffic should not be underestimated. For instance, there is no report on the impact of vibrations. The air quality report provided is inadequate, as it does not use real-time, site-specific data. The assessment criteria applied are for the general public, rather than vulnerable children. Children aged 0-5 are particularly susceptible to pollution. The summary of the RAQST model shows a moderate potential impact and recommends seeking further advice on whether a detailed assessment is needed. However, no further assessment has been conducted using site-specific data collected on school days. Can you imagine children playing and breathing in pollution every day on a balcony so close to the main road? I would never send my kids to this centre!

5. Setback Issues: Ryde Council’s DCP requires a setback of at least 2 metres for the secondary frontage of a corner site. The proposed DA does not comply with this requirement along its Wentworth Street frontage - around the side entry.

6. Garbage Room Design: There is no internal access from the centre to the garbage room. Staff would need to carry garbage bags out onto Wentworth Street and walk along the public footpath to Rutledge Street to re-enter the centre through the front gate. Can you imagine people carrying large garbage bags down the street? What an eyesore! Additionally, it appears that two garbage bins would be placed between the fence and the public footpath along Wentworth Road, which is unacceptable and inconsistent with DCP 3.2 – 7.4, Objective 4, which aims to ensure that waste storage areas have minimal visual impact.

I am writing to submit my objection to the development application for the construction of a childcare facility at 56 Rutledge St, Eastwood, NSW 2122.

1. Environmental Significance of Trees: The property is home to several mature pine trees that contribute greatly to the natural environment and the local streetscape. These trees are not only aesthetically valuable but also play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the area. They are natural habitats to a couple of possums and various pieces of local birds. Any construction that threatens their preservation would have a detrimental impact on the community’s natural heritage.

2. Architectural and Heritage Concerns: The house located at 56 Rutledge St was built in 1940 and is an excellent example of Federation-style architecture. Its high ceilings and unique historical character are irreplaceable features that contribute to the charm and identity of the neighbourhood. Furthermore, the adjacent building is heritage-listed, and the proposed development may not align with the strict guidelines typically required for construction near heritage sites.

3. Traffic and Safety Issues: Rutledge St is already heavily trafficked, and the speed of vehicles poses a significant safety risk to children and pedestrians. The introduction of a childcare centre would likely exacerbate traffic congestion, particularly during peak drop-off and pick-up times, further endangering the safety of local residents, especially young children.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will take these objections into account during your assessment process.

Sincerely,

I have lived in this area for a long time and am very familiar with the local situation. There are many factors here that make it unsuitable for building a kindergarten.

01 Traffic safety hazards:
Rutledge street is the Busiest main road in EASTWOOD, It has high traffic volume, I have personally witnessed frequent accidents happening on this road. Picking up and dropping off children may add to the danger, especially during peak hours.

02 Poor air quality:
Air pollution near main roads is often higher, with vehicle emissions and dust negatively impacting children's health, particularly their respiratory systems.

03 Noise pollution:
Busy roads are often accompanied by high noise levels from honking and engine sounds, which can disturb children's learning and rest, leading to increased stress.

04 Inconvenient access:
Parents might frequently have to cross the busy main road to drop off and pick up their children, contributing to traffic congestion and increasing risks for pedestrians and cyclists.

05 Unsuitable environment for children's activities:
The area near a busy road often lacks green spaces and safe outdoor play areas, making it unsuitable for children’s physical activities and outdoor development.

06 Difficulty in emergency services:
In case of emergencies such as fires or medical issues, busy roads may delay the arrival of rescue vehicles, slowing down response times.

07 Impact on educational quality:
Constant noise and air pollution can disrupt children’s concentration and learning, potentially lowering the quality of education.

08 Increased stress for parents and staff:
The congested traffic environment can add extra stress for both parents and kindergarten staff, particularly during drop-off and pick-up times, increasing daily anxiety.

Here are some key reasons for choosing a suitable location to build a kindergarten:
01 Safe traffic environment:
Areas with low traffic flow, especially away from major roads and busy streets, reduce the risk of accidents, ensuring safe entry and exit for parents and children.
02 Quiet environment:
Locations away from noise sources such as busy roads or factories help create a quiet atmosphere for learning and resting, enhancing children's concentration and well-being.
03 Good air quality:
Areas with fresh air are ideal for kindergartens, as children's respiratory systems are more vulnerable, and clean air supports their health and growth.
04 Sufficient outdoor play space:
Ample green areas or safe outdoor play spaces allow children to engage in more outdoor activities, promoting physical health and social development.
05 Convenient but not congested transportation:
Adequate public transportation or parking facilities make it easy for parents to drop off and pick up children without causing traffic congestion or safety issues.
06 Easy access to emergency services:
Locations where emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks can quickly reach in case of emergencies ensure the safety of the children.
07 Community support and family-friendly environment:
Building in areas with a high concentration of families and strong community bonds encourages positive interaction between parents and the kindergarten, fostering a supportive environment for children's growth and education.

These factors help ensure that the kindergarten is built in a location that supports children's safety, health, learning, and development.

I am writing to formally object to the Development Application LDA2024/0195 , which proposes the establishment of a childcare centre at 56 Rutledge St Eastwood NSW 2122. While I understand the growing demand for childcare facilities, I have serious concerns about the impact this development will have on the neighborhood.

My objections are based on the following points:

1. Traffic and Parking Concerns: The proposed development will likely lead to a significant increase in traffic and parking congestion in an area that already experiences challenges during peak times. This will not only affect local residents but also increase safety risks for children and pedestrians.
2. Noise and Disruption: The operation of a childcare centre will inevitably result in a high level of noise, particularly during outdoor playtimes. This may disrupt the peace and quiet that many residents, especially those working from home or retirees, currently enjoy.
3. Impact on Local Amenities and Infrastructure: The neighborhood’s infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and public spaces, is not designed to support the increased demand that a childcare facility would bring. I am concerned about the strain this development will place on existing resources.
4. Suitability of the Location: The proposed site may not be suitable for a childcare facility due to its proximity to residential homes and its potential to detract from the overall character of the neighborhood. A childcare centre may be better suited in an area with better infrastructure or designated commercial spaces.

While I support the need for childcare services, I believe this particular location is not appropriate for such a development. I urge the council to reconsider this application and explore alternative locations that would better serve the community without negatively impacting local residents.

Thank you for considering my concerns.