FREELING is on track to have a new childcare centre built within the town, following development approval last week granted for one.

SED-DUN Pty-Ltd lodged a development application for the establishment of an early learning centre, at 45 Hanson Street, mid-2019.

According to the plans, which were assessed by the Light Regional Assessment Panel last Wednesday, the facility will operate from 6.30am to 6.30pm weekdays and care for up to 76 children.

“We believe this will be beneficial to not only parents, who prefer to have their children in a centre that is close to home, but also great for the children, who will have the opportunity to form friendships and bonds with local kids who they will then go onto school with,” the applicant states.

“The early learning centre will also provide numerous employment opportunities for the region. At capacity we will employ approximately 10 staff.”

The centre incorporates a 560sqm building and adjacent bitumised carpark with 36 spaces – 19 of which can be used by the community and nearby bowling club users.

Development approval was granted on the basis that it is considered a low-scale and low-intensity use of the land, complimenting the primary residential intent of the zone.

It also has planning merit for its contribution to providing community and educational outcomes for the Freeling township.

Following a community notification period over the Christmas holiday break, the assessment panel received one representation opposed to the development, from an adjacent property owner who cited concerns with backyard privacy and increased noise.

In response, the developer has agreed to increase the height of the boundary fence, which will be made from sound absorbing material.