A childcare centre proposed to replace a City Beach home has been refused amid concerns from neighbouring medical professionals it could provide mental anguish for patients.
Neighbours and Town of Cambridge planning staff opposed the two-storey centre on Oban Road between City Beach Medical Centre and a single home, and opposite Empire Village shopping centre.
Perth Health and Fertility founder Anna Sangster operates from the medical centre, where she treats people with long-standing fertility issues.
She told the Development Assessment Panel meeting on September 8 the proposed centre’s outdoor play area would be directly opposite her consulting rooms, and the sound of children playing and infants crying would provide “untold harm” to her patients.
“I deliberately chose to set up at Oban Road due to the calm, professional space it presents, which is essential for the type of patients we treat,” Ms Sangster said.
“This is one of the most emotionally vulnerable populations you can care for.
“(The centre) would immensely add to the psychological distress of our patients.”
Camera IconAn artist’s impression of the childcare centre proposed for Oban Road in City Beach. Credit: Hodge Collard Preston Architects
GP James Latto echoed Ms Sangster’s concerns, saying the potential noise would negatively impact his patients and there would be parking and traffic issues.
Panel members had problems with the size and scale of the $4m development, which proposed a capacity of 72 children and 14 staff on the 1070sqm site.
Deputy presiding member Clayton Higham said there were too many “fatal flaws” that would require a “total redesign” to address, including lack of parking, access and reduced setbacks to adjoining properties.
Panel member John Syme agreed it was “so far inconsistent with the framework” and a deferral sought by the applicant would not give enough time for fundamental change.
“There’s simply too much being tried to be put on this site,” he said.
While the town’s report said its policy allowed for a maximum capacity of 40 children at daycares in residential zones, presiding member Dale Page believed the Oban Road site was not suitable for any kind of childcare centre.