New childcare centres not backed by community

Central Coast Council has three proposals for new childcare centres on its books for consideration at present, but two of them have been met with significant dissatisfaction from their communities.

Plans for a centre at East Gosford and another at Berkeley Vale have attracted many objections, with common themes being noise pollution, traffic and parking issues, safety risks in already congested narrow streets, preservation of quiet residential areas.

The centre at 34-34A Donegal Rd, Berkeley Vale, over three parcels of land between Kilkenny Pde, will cater for 78 pre-school children and be operated by the Little Miracles group.

It will operate on weekdays from 7am to 6pm with 13 staff.

Although there was a significant number of objections some neighbouring residents are in favour, saying it would increase a sense of community in the area, provide more local jobs, and appeal to younger families to buy into the area with a much-needed daycare centre close by.

However, there are concerns about pedestrian safety with increased traffic parking on the narrow streets where families walk, push prams and children ride scooters or bikes on the roadway because of open gutters, steep terrain and no footpaths.

Another reason for objection is the potential for screaming children at play outdoors to disrupt the peaceful residential area.

This was also a major concern about another proposed childcare centre at 24 Waratah St, East Gosford, opposite an already established pre-school which has operated for more than 10 years.

There are also privacy issues with large glass windows overlooking neighbouring outdoor living spaces and opposite bedrooms.

The proposed two-storey childcare centre for 70 children will have multiple outdoor playrooms on both levels and basement parking – nine spaces for staff and 12 for visitors.

This centre will operate weekdays from 7am to 6pm and residents are worried about the disruption that noise will have on their peace and quiet.

Residents have safety concerns about insufficient on-site parking and increased traffic movement – they say that even now if cars are parked on both sides of the road only one car can pass through at a time.

Other concerns include stormwater management, blocking of light and overshadowing, construction issues and insufficient staff at the centre.

The third childcare centre being considered for approval by Council is at 167 Serpentine Rd, Terrigal.

It will accommodate113 children, 18 staff and there will be off-street parking for 38 vehicles.

Proposed hours of operation are Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm.

The three development applications can be viewed on Council’s website – Terrigal (2113/2024), Berkeley Vale (1653/2024) and East Gosford (409/2024).