A proposal for a childcare centre in a Springwood residential area has residents up in arms.
Developer Peter Dollin, on behalf of Childsplay Day Care, has lodged a development application with council to convert a house in Prince St into a 40-place childcare centre for 2-5-year-olds.
The residents say the noise generated by the children and traffic to the centre is unacceptable, and there will be too many kids on a small block close to residential properties on all sides.
"The noise associated with 40 children, vehicular traffic, and associated activities between its extended operating hours would transform this quiet neighbourhood," said Prince St resident Andrew Baron.
He said the noise mitigation measures were "woefully inadequate and unrealistic, limited to Colourbond fencing, driving quietly and keeping crying children indoors."
Neighbour Rebecca Cooper agreed. "They were ludicrous and laughable suggestions and quite insulting," she said.
"It's a commercial enterprise in a residential street," said Barbara Kelly, whose home is next door to the proposed development. "From 7.30am to 6.30pm there will be continual noise. It will ruin our lifestyle."
The residents also fear the safety of their kids walking on the street to nearby parks, with the increased traffic.
"A development of this kind would be more suited to an area that was close to existing businesses, had existing street infrastructure such as kerbing, guttering and footpaths, and/or was close to major roads or rail," Mr Baron said.
A 14-space carpark at the front of the centre is also planned, where a large, old tree stands.
"It's important to keep the tree out the front. We're all worried that it will be knocked down or damaged," Anne Edwards said.
The residents also questioned why Mr Dollin, the treasurer of Residents Against Western Sydney Airport, was seemingly concerned about the noise and environmental impacts of the airport, but not so concerned about the impact of his own development.
"I cannot myself compare the beautiful sound of children laughing at play, during certain restricted day-time hours, to the sound of an A380 flying overhead one’s home at 2am in the morning. The second Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Mr Dollin said.
“What we are aiming to achieve is something that will be as unobtrusive as possible while filling a vital need."
He said while vacancy rates at childcare centres ebbed and flowed, there was an enormous need for quality care.
Mr Dollin said they would listen to council's assessment of the recommendations in their acoustic and traffic study.
"Our aim is to provide a wonderful community service that does not negatively impact," he said.
"The garden at the front of the property with those magnificent old shady trees will remain an important feature of the amenity of the site to screen the Council’s LEP requirements for off-street parking."