Childcare hours changed

Gosford Council has extended the hours of operation for a childcare centre in Nowack Ave, Umina Beach.

The change allows the centre to start 30 minutes earlier and run 30 minutes later - from 7am to 6pm.

The council resolved at its meeting of April 3 to defer the matter to allow objectors to be advised that the recommendation to council was to support the hours of operation of 7am to 6pm.

Council had received six letters of objection to the proposal and two letters of support for the altered operating times at the Kids Club Child Care Centre.

A report from council's environmental health surveyor stated that the hours of operation sought were "not extraordinary when compared to other Child Care Centres and may be necessary for parents who are required to commute to their employment".

"The proposed change does not increase the number of total traffic movements.

"In relation to noise aspects of the amendment, the more significant noise issue is children playing outside and this activity will not be influenced by the proposed amendment.

"In conclusion, I cannot find any reason to substantiate the refusal of the proposed amendment."

Gosford Council resolved at its meeting on August 1 last year to grant consent for a Child Care Centre with a condition which restricted its hours of operation to between 7.30am and 5.30pm.

Council agenda ENV.15, April 3