A proposed private school in Maddington could generate almost 300 vehicle movements during peak hours, as community members raise concerns about adding school traffic to roads already used by trucks and other heavy vehicles.
Rehoboth Christian College has lodged plans for the first stage of a new campus at 5 Alcock Street, which would accommodate about 225 students and 39 staff.
City of Gosnells chief executive Ian Cowie said information provided by the applicant indicated the development would generate 298 vehicle movements during peak hours once Stage One was complete.
However, the city is still assessing the traffic information and has not yet decided whether further information or clarification will be required.
The proposal has prompted discussion in a local Facebook group, where several commenters questioned whether Maddington Road and surrounding streets could cope with school drop-off and pick-up traffic alongside existing industrial traffic.
Some raised concerns about trucks using Maddington Road, possible queues during school pick-up times and the safety of students near heavy vehicle movements.
Others supported the proposal, with some saying they would prefer the land to be used for a school rather than residential development.
Mr Cowie said traffic and road safety on the surrounding network would form part of the City’s assessment.
The applicant’s information indicates the existing road network has enough capacity to accommodate the additional traffic without road upgrades.
However, Mr Cowie said changes could still be required if the City’s assessment found the development created a need for them.
“If the development creates a need for change to the existing road network, approval could be granted subject to the required works being carried out by the proponent,” he said.
Stage One includes a two-storey, 2673-square-metre building containing general learning and specialist facilities, a canteen, administration areas and other facilities.
Plans also include a playing court, landscaping, 20 bicycle bays and 73 onsite and on-street parking bays.
Of those, 22 parking bays and eight Kiss & Ride bays would be accessed from Maddington Road, while 26 parking bays and five Kiss & Ride bays would be accessed from Alcock Street.
Another 12 embayed parking spaces would be provided along Maddington Road and Alcock Street, along with bus bays on Maddington Road.
Mr Cowie said the parking arrangements would be assessed against the City’s local planning policies, including requirements for school parking.
The City would also consider the capacity of the internal and surrounding road network to minimise parking and traffic queuing issues.
The development would require the removal of 16 trees, with 41 trees retained.
Rehoboth Christian College declined to answer questions from The Examiner while the development application is being assessed by the city.
Public consultation on the proposal closes at 5pm on October 21.
Mr Cowie said submissions received during consultation would be considered alongside the relevant planning framework before the City, as the responsible authority, determines the application.
