A DECISION on a controversial development application for a 96-place childcare centre at Garden Suburb has been deferred to allow council staff to address residents' concerns.
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The centre, proposed for 58 Prospect Road, would be the largest in Lake Macquarie, with two nurseries, an outdoor play area and a 24-lot car park.
It is expected to ease childcare demands in the region, where parents can face two-year waits for a place in the 0-2 age group.
Yet some residents have argued the centre is unsuitable for the area.
Gary Mulhearn, who lives next to the site with his wife, Kelly, and their three children, spoke against the development at a Lake Macquarie council meeting last week.
Mr Mulhearn is concerned about increased traffic, particularly queuing across the Myall Road intersection.
He said Prospect Road was a quiet, 11-metre wide road with traffic passing through at 50km/h.
Mr Mulhearn said buses often veered across the double lines.
He said he was "surprised" the council's development control plan (DCP) allows for a large commercial centre.
Councillor Ken Paxinos said the council had to tread lightly for this reason.
