A proposal for a four-storey childcare centre takes development in Sutherland Shire to a new level.
The long day care centre, catering for up to 107 children from 0 to six, is proposed for the new high-rise residential area on Taren Point Road, next to Caringbah High School.
A development application (DA) has been lodged for the project, with an estimated construction cost of $1.37 million, at 288 Taren Point Road.
At present, the site is occupied by a one-storey house.
The DA said the proposal was considered to be consistent with the objectives of the R4 zone, where there had already been several applications for five-storey apartment blocks.
Childcare centres were permitted with consent in R4 zones and the proposed facility would "complement the existing and future residential character of the surrounding area", the DA said.
The DA said the centre would include three indoor and four outdoor play areas, meeting national education requirements and care services requirements.
A kitchen on the first floor and dedicated laundry are included in the plans.
The proposed children and staff numbers are:
- 20 children between the ages of 0 to 2 years old (5 staff members);
- 30 children between the ages of 2 to 3 years old (6 staff members).
- 57 children between the ages of 3 to 6 years old (6 staff members).
The DA said 27 off-street car parking spaces would be provided in two basement levels, including 13 for staff and 14 for drop-off and pick up of children, including one accessible parking space.
There would be a maximum of 17 staff members, including the centre director at any given time.
Operating hours would be 7am to 6pm on weekdays only.
A traffic study lodged with the DA said the vehicular access to and from the off-street car parking area would be via a new two-way driveway crossing to be located on Taren Point Road.
It was estimated the development would generate 86 morning peak period vehicle trips 75 in the afternoon peak.
"The estimated peak period traffic generation is considered to be acceptable and of low impact on existing flows on the surrounding road network," the consultant said.
"The traffic generated by the operation of the proposed childcare centre will not alter the current levels of service and additional traffic generated can be readily accommodated."