Child centre bid heads to tribunal

By Paul Dunlop
A BID to build the biggest childcare centre yet seen in Cardinia Shire is headed for the state planning tribunal.
In an angry reaction to council’s rejection of a permit last week, the family behind the proposal said they would ‘definitely’ be taking the matter to appeal.
Council voted six to one to refuse the application for the 150berth childcare centre in Ryan Road, Pakenham.
Sharon Verschaeren said the childcare centre, modelled on an existing operation in Officer, would be on a par with the best facilities of its kind.
“No question about it, it would be among the best in Australia,” Ms Verschaeren said.
“We will definitely be taking this further.”
The centre, which will include a swimming pool, tennis facilities and even an animal farm with pony rides, was proposed for a 1.2hectare property in the rural residential area on the eastern fringe of the town.
Councillors at their town planning meeting praised the concept but said the location was inappropriate.
More than 70 people objected to the proposal.
Ms Verschaeren said the location — Ryan Road was described as like a small rural hamlet five minutes from town — was necessary to allow the range of play and care features proposed for the centre.
“This is not a normal childcare centre,” she said.