Childcare plan for Grovedale block

A GROVEDALE land block would be converted into a large childcare centre under plans lodged with the City of Greater Geelong.

An empty site at 71 Reserve Road would be converted into a two-storey centre with 100 places for local children in the $20-million plans lodged with planning officers.

Applicants had previously applied for a slightly larger centre to accommodate 106 children and a reduced parking capacity of 18 vehicles. The current plans have room for 20 cars.

The new application argues the changes should mean the proposal is greenlit.

“The revised proposal has appropriately responded to the opportunities and constraints of the site.

“The changes made to the proposal will ensure that the proposed childcare centre will make a positive contribution to the local area and result in negligible off-site amenity impacts.”

Planners also said the proposal met planning objectives from the city, which stipulate that commercial buildings in residential areas mist serve the needs of the local community.

“The proposed childcare centre will legitimately serve a local community need and this centre, as numerous others have done, can comfortably co-exist with dwellings in a residential area.”

The city is advertising the plans and inviting public submissions until Thursday, August 10.