Bathurst Regional Council deferred making a decision on the development application at its last meeting when complaints were received from neighbouring residents who said they had not been informed of the proposal. 

Some residents fear the value of their properties will be affected. 

The Marys Lane facility would cater for a maximum of 20 cats and 24 dogs. If it goes ahead, it will be the second boarding kennel to operate from Dunkeld.

After neighbours complained about council’s lack of consultation, further notifications were sent out. 

As a result, a number of letters have been received by council opposing the development. 

Neighbours have expressed concern about the inadequacy of the consultation; noise; traffic; the impact on identified environmentally sensitive areas; effluent disposal; odour control; impact on property values; and impact on lifestyle.

A group letter by 15 residents said they were particularly concerned about the potentially offensive nature of barking dogs.

An independent noise consultant has been contacted by the residents to carry out a second noise assessment after it was revealed that the first report had been created remotely using a computer program without a visit to the site of the proposed development.

The neighbours have also stressed there are concerns about traffic safety.

The letter said residents have received advice that the value of their properties would be affected by a second boarding kennel at Dunkeld. 

A letter by D and D Baldwin also focused on noise. 

The Baldwins said an existing animal boarding facility already results in noise disturbance to neighbours.

They also expressed their concerns about inadequate animal containment, saying the proposed design shows no secondary containment fencing or double gate system for dogs.

“We are concerned that this will facilitate domestic animal escape to adjoining properties, including our own, creating potential hazard to children, pets and livestock,” they said.

Luisa Simeonidis (McDiarmid) wrote on behalf of her parents explaining that some of the prime reasons for people living in the Dunkeld area are the pristine views and the peaceful nature of the environment. 

“Also, being a valley, the noise is trapped and you can hear quite a lot,” she said.

She said the noise from the existing boarding facility echoes the entire length of the valley, and  the barking does not stop all day and continues into the night during peak holiday seasons.

“How the owners could think up to 24 dogs could be quiet is questionable,” Ms Simeonidis said.

However, the couple proposing the development, Brendan and Sharon McHugh, stress that the dog kennel will be purpose-built to reduce the noise of dogs barking at night as they will be housed in fully enclosed rooms with all visual stimulation removed. The dogs will be housed internally from dusk each evening. 

The building will also have thermal/acoustic insulation. However, external runs will be accessed by the dogs during the day.

They said a septic tank will be used for dog effluent and hosing. 

Former pet shop owner and breeder Bill Sewell said there is a distinct lack of dog boarding accommodation in the Bathurst region, especially at Christmas and in the new year and Easter holiday periods.

He said it is not uncommon for pet owners to need to travel outside the region to board their dogs. 

Tonight’s forum will be held at 6pm.