TAMWORTH Regional Council gave approval to a new childcare centre of the edge of the CBD, at its meeting on Tuesday evening.
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It was the third childcare centre the council has green lit in recent times, but this development came with a somewhat shocking sub-plot.
The proposal for a 70-child facility on East Street, near the Paradise caravan park, stoked a bit of interest in the community with four people addressing the councillors before they voted.
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Three people spoke against the centre with a range of concerns.
There were typical fears about increased traffic and insufficient parking, while Leanne Barnes was concerned about noise disrupting her business where she could be meeting people to discuss a memorial for a loved one.
"I feel the stress building and the DA hasn't even been approved yet," she said.
Meanwhile, John Hook railed against the design and said it looked like a "Rice Bubbles box" turned on its side.
But it was the presentation of nearby business-owner Shane Barnes which sent a jolt through the council.
He claimed there hadn't been a electromagnetic radiation test despite there being a substation nearby.
He said council could face a future liability as a result.
Planning director Brent McAlister said he was informed by staff it was a guideline which was drafted, but not adopted.
Nonetheless, it sent him thumbing through his notes.
Meanwhile, the councillors toyed with getting the development application deferred to clear up the confusion.
But Mr Barnes' power play didn't result in the council sending the development back to the drawing board.
The council approved the DA subject to its compliance to child care planning guidelines in relation to proximity to high voltage power easements.
The councillors also unanimously approved a 161-lot subdivision at Moore Creek which had raised some concern in the surrounding community.