The proposal for 29-33 Cessnock Road, was lodged late December and is currently under assessment.

If approved, the 124-place centre would be built on a site bounded by Cessnock Road to the east and Cartwright Street to the west.

A statement of environmental effects said development consent is also sought for the demolition of existing dwellings on the site.

The document said the proposal comprises a single level of childcare with ground floor car parking, administration offices and staff rooms, outdoor play areas, landscaping, signage and other associated works.

The proposed centre is being designed to cater for 124 children ranging from 0 to five years and 21 staff.

The proposed operating hours are Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm.

In July, plans were unveiled for a $4.8million early education centre also at Gillieston Heights with provision for an adjoining primary school.

The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle lodged a development application with Maitland City Council for the facility which would be located on Redwood Drive.

The centre would provide places for 144 children and jobs initially for 27 educators with the provision for more staff once the centre reaches full capacity.

In 2018 council also approved a 40-place childcare centre for Saddlers Drive in Gillieston Heights.

The proposal was initially lodged for a 69-place, two-storey centre but was later amended after 10 submissions were lodged objecting to the proposal.