Melton council has unanimously moved on approving an expansion to a long-standing domestic animal boarding facility in Toolern Vale, paving the way for Dogdayz to more than double the number of dogs it can house.
At the Monday 24 November council meeting, councillors voted in favour of granting a permit for three new kennel buildings, an additional storage building and an increase in the 39.9-hectare site’s 39.9 dog capacity from 125 to 300.
The property located on Holden Road has operated since the early 1990s.
In the lead-up to the decision, council received 12 objections from residents living nearby, who raised concerns over noise and odour, as well as concerns over traffic and environmental impacts.
However a detailed planning assessment concluded the proposal met the requirements of Melton’s planning scheme and was consistent with the purpose of the Green Wedge Zone, where the land sits.
The new 32-metre long fully enclosed kennel buildings are planned to be acoustically treated with insulated panels designed to reduce noise, while additional screen planting is also planned to help buffer the facility from neighbouring properties.
Cr Bob Turner raised community concerns around noise complaints from the site, asking if “officers are confident” with the new acoustics and whether they will cater to an increased number of animals on the site.
Council officers outlined the planning permit has been prepared with a noise attenuation plan included, which will need to be met and satisfied before the commencement of any works on the property.
Council officers noted no recent noise complaints had been received under the site’s current operations and that Dogdayz had a history of complying with notices to comply when issued.
Six car parks will also be added to the existing gravel parking area, with officers satisfied the site can accommodate increased traffic.
In recommending the permit, council officers found the expansion would not compromise rural landscape values or create unacceptable amenity impacts, provided conditions remain met.
In the event conditions are not met, officers noted council enforcement would apply or works would not commence.
