Dog lover Avril Munson fears her life could be left in tatters if council bosses crush her business dreams on Monday.

Ms Munson is embroiled in a bitter row with residents and councillors over plans to convert stables and a garage at Great Easton into a dog training centre.

The 50-year-old dog trainer and behaviour counsellor has gambled her future on the venture.

Ms Munson runs the Central School of Dog Training at Chantry House in Bocking, but has been forced to move after Braintree Council approved nearby development plans.

She moved from Bocking to her new home, which she says adjoins the perfect site to relocate her company.

In a bid to rescue her career and home life, Ms Munson applied to Uttlesford District Council to refurbish the site next to her Barnards Bridge home on Snow Hill.

But her initial application was rejected in October and she doesn't hold out much hope for her fresh application, which will be considered at a meeting of the Uttlesford District Council Development Control Committee on Monday.

She said: "I am devastated and appalled at how I've been treated. This represents my life's work and dreams and is a huge risk for me to take.

"I can't afford to live at my new home without having the dog training business next door.

"This is my sole source of income and the purpose behind my move. I don't know what I'll do if my plans get rejected. The repercussions on my life and career will be massive."

The proposals have met huge opposition from residents, who say the noise of the dogs will disturb the peaceful surroundings.

They also fear the £750,000 development will be an eyesore and lead to traffic dangers and congestion along the B184.

Ms Munson said: "When I spoke to the planning officer they couldn't see there be any problems with the granting of this application. Now all of a sudden this road is the most dangerous on the planet.

"I just wish they had told me this road was likely to experience highways problems from the start."

Ms Munson claims protesting neighbours have made uninvited visits to her driveway, checking measurements outlined on the planning application.

She said: "I think it's very sad that I've had a neighbour trespassing on my land without having the courtesy to introduce themselves."

Published Tuesday December 14, 2004

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