By JASON TURNER
NOBLE Park residents are outraged they were left in the dark about construction at a neighbouring primary school that has caused disruption for more than a year.
Wallarano Primary School, which backs onto Kuringgai Crescent, is undergoing a $5 million redevelopment including two new libraries and learning centres.
Residents say they have withstood 18 months of noisy construction work.
Stefan Kolesar said the latest stage of the project was the final straw — a block of two-storey relocatable classrooms placed metres from his back fence.
He said privacy was another concern with a number of large windows looking straight into his backyard. “It’s too bloody close. If only it was seven or so metres away.”
Mr Kolesar said there had been a lack of consultation during the project. He had seen similar developments close to homes but “not like this.”
Resident Audrey Fernando spoke with Greater Dandenong councillor Roz Blades on the issue, but was told school developments were not council responsibility. “We weren’t told anything,” Ms Fernando said. “It came up without warning.”
She said the school issued newsletters to students but residents were ignored.
Cr Blades said the education department “did not need approval” from the council.
A department spokesman said there was enough space between the portables and Mr Kolesar’s fence. “Setbacks were considered during project planning, and each of the new buildings has an appropriate setback from the school boundary.”
The department did not answer questions about what information was issued to residents prior to building commencing. Construction work is still to be completed.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Has the education department acted fairly towards residents?
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