General News
22 January, 2025
New childcare centre wins go-ahead
Development of a new childcare centre and installation of associated business signage in Horsham has gained council approval.
Councillors voted by five to nil on Monday to issue a planning permit for the construction and use of a childcare facility at 75‐77 River Road, Horsham.
The proposed centre will occupy two currently vacant lots of residential land within the area known as Southbank.
The site is about 2km from the centre of Horsham, close to industrial and commercial activity around Stawell and Plumpton roads.
Horsham Rural City's director of communities and place Kevin O'Brien told councillors that the project was appropriate under council's planning scheme.
"The childcare centre supports the identified demands for Horsham’s growth and is consistent with the purpose of the general residential zone: ‘To allow educational, recreational, religious, community and a limited range of other non‐residential uses to serve local community needs in appropriate locations’," Mr O'Brien said.
"The site is well located with access to River Road and will support a growing population in Horsham South of over 5000 people and a developing commercial and industrial precinct.
"(It) should be approved subject to conditions including design, traffic, noise and hours of operation."
Mr O'Brien said after neighbouring landholders and occupiers were notified of the plan earlier in the year, three objections were submitted.
"A consultation meeting was held at the council offices on June 21 between council, the applicant and objectors," he said.
"Following the consultation meeting, on October 28 the objectors were provided with an acoustic report and council's assessment of road and traffic volumes.
"In addition to this, all objectors were provided with the opportunity to withdraw their submissions on the basis that the additional information satisfied their concerns."
Mr O'Brien said council had not received any further communication from the three parties.
Before the matter was considered by council on Monday, councillors Angela Munn and Brian Klowss declared general conflicts of interest and left the chamber.
Cr Rebecca Sluggett moved that council grant the permit, subject to the developer agreeing to relocate the children's play areas to the north-east of the property and the building to the north-west corner "to provide a visual and acoustic buffer to residential dwellings".
Cr Sluggett's motion also called for swept paths to be created to allow vehicles to travel forwards when leaving the property.
"As a mum, I was excited to see that this applicant realised our huge need for another childcare facility within our municipality," Cr Sluggett said.
"I was also pleased that it's located south of the river, making it accessible to a larger number of families living on that side.
"I was, however, extremely dismayed that the proposal will have a large impact on neighbouring homes.
"Listening to the objectors reading their letters leaves no doubt that this development is causing deep concern and will change the way that they live."
Cr Sluggett said while these concerns were "extremely valued and have been heavily considered", the development met all requirements of Horsham Rural City's planning scheme and the applicant had made concessions during mediation towards satisfying the community members.
She said she felt the specified amendments would further reduce any impacts on nearby properties.
Supporting the motion "with regret", Cr Cam McDonald said he had spoken directly both to the objectors and to Mr O'Brien.
"It is putting us councillors between a rock and a hard place," Cr McDonald said.
"Yes, we do want development, but at the same time we're very sensitive to genuine concerns."