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