SWAN Hill Rural City Council is experiencing a bout of déjà vu, after its approval of a childcare centre development was referred to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
The application for the 38-place childcare centre on Butterworth Street was approved by councillors in October, but a 21 day exhibition period has seen one objection — on behalf of 14 nearby residents — lodged.
It comes just a few months after a controversial childcare centre on Yana Street was approved following two years of legalities.
In that time, neighbouring residents took the matter to VCAT twice, winning the first time and failing the second.
Butterworth Street centre applicant Rob Johnson said as a resident of the area he was aware of issues like traffic and safety and had addressed these in the planning stage.
“We are just working through the processes, but we are disappointed the decision is being taken to VCAT,” he said.
“But we feel well prepared and [with council approval] know we have done everything to the satisfaction of council.”
A date is yet to be set for the VCAT hearing.
For more on this story, pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (December 10).
