Reggio Emilia-inspired childcare in Wagga stalled after council concerns

Wagga councillors have voted to defer a development application that, if approved, would see a Reggio Emilia-inspired, 60-place childcare centre built at 133 Peter Street.

Several councillors raised concerns at tonight's council meeting about child and parent safety without a dedicated drop-off and pick-up zone, as well as the lack of available parking.

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The debate was sparked by Councillor Dallas Tout, who said he had no issue with a centrally-located childcare centre but called it a "square pin in a round hole" because he said the plans hadn't adequately considered available parking.

Cr Tout said the carpark adjacent to site was monitored by council but was privately owned and therefore not guaranteed in the future.

As a result of the proposed works, two existing car parking spaces to the side of the building would be removed and five car parking spaces would be laid out at the rear of the site.

But Cr Tout said the childcare centre would need 11 staff, at least six of whom would be left looking for all day parking nearby.

Council planning staff noted the shortage of onsite parking in a report prepared for councillors, though the document says that "meeting car parking requirements in the CBD is not a problem exclusive to this development".

Councillor Tim Koschel said the idea for the childcare was "great" but he was concerned that not having a drop-off and pick-up zone could put "children's lives in danger".

Councillor Paul Funnell agreed with Cr Koschel and raised the possibility of deferring the development application, to give the applicants time to address questions about parking and safety.

The deferral was supported by all councillors. The applicants will have four weeks to address the concerns raised at tonight's council meeting.