ML Traffic Engineers: Expert Guidance That Helped Secure Planning Approval for a New Dance Studio in Cheltenham
When the applicant proposed transforming an existing office space at 314A Bay Road, Cheltenham into a vibrant indoor recreation facility (dance studio), one of the key challenges was addressing car parking demand and potential impacts on the surrounding Bayside streets. Nestled in the heart of Cheltenham at 314A Bay Road, AT Dance is excited to welcome dancers of all ages to its welcoming, purpose-built studio. Following a successful change of use from an office space to an indoor recreation facility (dance studio), this 312m² venue is now fully dedicated to inspiring joy through dance in the Bayside community.
That’s where ML Traffic Engineers stepped in — delivering a comprehensive, evidence-based car parking impact assessment that played a pivotal role in supporting the planning application and paving the way for a smooth approval process.
Prepared by Principal Michael Lee (BEng), the October 2024 report carefully analysed the site’s existing 6 on-site parking spaces, the proposed use (up to 3 staff and 35 students per session), and realistic peak parking demand. Using empirical rates tailored to dance studio operations — 1 space per staff, 0.9 spaces per driving-aged student/adult, and 0.5 spaces per non-driving aged student (accounting for efficient parent drop-off/pick-up) — the assessment demonstrated that while 18 off-street spaces would be required during peak times, surrounding streets (Hamlet Street, Wanrua Street, and nearby public areas) offered ample spare capacity.
Weekday evening and weekend daytime parking occupancy surveys provided clear proof: sufficient vacant spaces were available within 150m of the site during typical class times, even after accounting for the modest shortfall.
Crucially, the report addressed Clause 52.06-7 of the Bayside Planning Scheme, justifying a parking dispensation by highlighting:
- Excellent proximity to the Principal Public Transport Network (bus stops literally on the doorstep, connecting to Hampton, Sandringham, Cheltenham, and Southland stations)
- Short-stay nature of much of the demand (quick parent drop-offs and pick-ups)
- Strong pedestrian and cyclist access in a built-up urban area
- No significant adverse traffic or parking impacts expected on local streets
This thorough, practical, and well-supported analysis gave Bayside Council the confidence that the change of use would integrate seamlessly into the neighbourhood — helping turn a former office into AT Dance, a thriving community asset for dancers of all ages.
Why developers and applicants trust ML Traffic Engineers With over 30 years of experience and thousands of sites assessed across Australia (Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Hobart, Darwin, and beyond), ML Traffic Engineers specialises in preparing traffic impact assessments, parking demand studies, vehicular access designs, and planning-support reports that stand up to scrutiny.
Whether you’re changing use (like office to recreation), developing apartments, child care centres, medical practices, fitness studios, places of worship, licensed premises, drive-throughs, or mixed-use projects — ML Traffic Engineers delivers clear, realistic, and approval-focused advice.
Need expert traffic engineering input to strengthen your next planning application? Contact Michael Lee today on 0413 295 325 or email traffic@mltraffic.com.au
Visit www.mltraffic.com.au to learn more about how ML Traffic Engineers can help unlock your project’s potential — one successful approval at a time.
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