PARENTS are protesting against a proposed apartment block to be built near a Sydney school, claiming paedophiles could watch children from their balconies.

Parramatta City Council, which will decide on the $4.6 million Dundas project tonight, found the risk of paedophiles moving in negligible.In submissions to the council, the Dundas Public School principal, Education Department's western region, and the school P&C argued that from 12 units residents could look into the playground or even monitor the arrival and departure of children.

Council reports said objectors claimed "paedophiles could be attracted to living there as it overlooks part of a school playground".

"The balconies and windows facing Dundas Public School directly overlook the school playground and will be an ideal vantage point for paedophiles," a summary said.

A crime prevention officer was asked to report on the proposal because so many of the 14 submissions and four petitions raised the issue of paedophiles and "undesirable elements" moving in.

"I have no objection to this development from a child protection or crime prevention perspective," the officer wrote.

"I consider this development poses a very low to remote risk to child safety."

But Dundas Public School P&C Association president Melissa McAulay said: "I do not negotiate with safety when it comes to our kids.

"We are really passionate about our school."

Parents said they would be happy if the balconies faced another direction.

A NSW Police spokeswoman said requirements for people on the child protection register, including prohibition orders, were tailored to the individual - and they could ban a person from visiting certain public places.

Residential checks were also carried out, she added.

Originally published as Parents fear sex fiends on balcony