The $2.1-million plan to expand the John Colet School in Belrose has sparked controversy, with locals worried that the proposed development application will create more traffic in residential backstreets.
The development application for the expansion of the John Colet School in Belrose was first lodged in 2019, and it intends to increase the school’s capacity from a maximum of 255 students to 350.
If implemented, the proposed expansion involves the construction of two new classrooms alongside an art room. Despite this, Belrose locals are displeased with such plans. By taking up more space, the school would fail to keep in touch with the low impact and low-intensity land use philosophy the area adheres to.
One of the other primary issues concerning the development is that new classrooms would also reduce open space in the surrounding area. An increase in the school’s size would also fail to comply with the area’s building height and setback provisions.
The lack of on-site parking in the upgrade was also an issue. These expansions could potentially have a visual impact to the suburb, as well as adverse effects and disruptions in terms of traffic and parking.
The John Colet School can be found at 6 Wyatt Avenue, Belrose. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements.