Objectors’ prayers answered

By Shaun Inguanzo
AN APPLICATION to build a childcare centre on church property in Noble Park was turned down by the Greater Dandenong council this week.
A total of 11 residents on Harold Road, Noble Park, objected to a developer’s proposal to establish a childcare centre on the property of the Noble Park Evangelical Church, also on Harold Road.
The centre was proposed to hold a maximum 65 children and eight staff.
Council officers had recommended the application be approved, stating there was ample parking and that times of worship and child care would not conflict and create traffic havoc.
But the vote was lost after a majority of councillors acknowledged objectors’ concerns over traffic on the residential street.
Harold Road resident and objector Bernardo Colletti said his fence had been smashed by seven cars in the past three years.
Mr Colletti said his bedroom was near the fence, and feared increased traffic would only cause more accidents which could endanger his life.
Keysborough South Ward councillor Peter Brown said councillors should not be sympathetic because the application was on church land.
“I don’t dispute the need for childcare centres, but at what cost?” he asked.
Cr Brown moved an alternate motion that the item be deferred to the first meeting of the new council with an officer’s recommendation of refusal. Cr Brown said after the meeting he would also help residents push for traffic lights at the nearby intersection of Corrigan Road and Kingsclere Avenue to be timed more efficiently to help alleviate the right and left turning traffic from Harold Road.