Mr McHugh first lodged his development application to build a dog kennel and cattery in February, 2014.

But, despite two separate recommendations from Bathurst Regional Council’s senior planning staff that it be approved, Dunkeld Pet Hotel was twice rejected by councillors.

Councillors, and some neighbours near the proposed kennel on Marys Lane, cited four areas of concern: road safety, that it was not in the public interest, noise  and environmental concerns.

The matter eventually wound up in the Land and Environment Court where, last July, Mr McHugh was victorious. The battle left council with a legal bill of more than $110,000.

Mr McHugh is determined to put his past battles behind him and is excited that building work for the kennel is finally underway. An access road has been constructed, and construction of the kennels, which will house 24 dogs, is well underway.

“Every kennel will have under-floor heating, it’s all down and tested,” he said. “There’s 24 kennels of varying sizes – each has a covered outdoor run. At night, the dogs will be totally enclosed, it’ll be heated or air-conditioned.”

The kennel is being constructed in an acoustically designed building to reduce any noise emitted. Also completed are major earthworks, on-site septic tanks and trees have been planted to help absorb waste water.

“The toilets for the disabled have been started and the disabled parking is finished,” Mr McHugh said.

The cattery is not yet started, but when complete it will house 20 felines.

The kennel and cattery will be the most modern in the region, according to Mr McHugh.

“There’s solar electricity for the dog kennels,” he said. “It’s a very high-quality facility.”

Mr McHugh said he has worked to support local businesses during construction, with most of the materials and tradespeople from Bathurst or Oberon. He said the complex should be completed by the end of September,

“I want to open at a quiet time to get things up and running,” Mr McHugh said.

While admitting it was a “very difficult” period for his family as they fought to have the kennel approved, he said they are looking forward to it finally being opened.

“I’m so excited, the family are so excited,” he said. “I hope the community embraces us, but we’re not taking anything for granted.”