A PETITION set up to help a dog trainer in her fight against 'barking mad' housing plans has attracted hundreds of signatures.

Lisa Jackson is fighting a proposed housing development by Taylor Wimpey which would only be a few feet from her business, Hillview Boarding Kennels and Lisa Jackson's Dog Training Service, in Old Road South, Kempsey, near Worcester.

She says the position of the development is "barking mad" and wants it moved further away from her site, saying she fears the impact of complaints from new neighbours if the development is allowed to go ahead.

Miss Jackson and her partner, Darren Beech, say they are still seeking a meeting with Taylor Wimpey to try and persuade them to amend the plans.

But supporters have set up an online petition, which has already been signed by more than 250 people.

Miss Jackson says she also fears being told to consider putting electric shock collars on her dogs – something, as an animal lover, she refuses to do.

She says the dog warden had previously suggested it and thinks others may now suggest the collars because of the proposed development, which has yet to be determined by planners at Malvern Hills District Council.

"I said 'if you think I would ever put one of those on my dogs you're mistaken'," she said. "I emphatically refuse to do that. I will never do that. It's cruelty."

Meanwhile, Miss Jackson has received plenty of support from Worcester News readers.

Casmal, writing on our website, said: "I have every sympathy with the owner of the kennels and wish her good luck.

"The difference is that when Lisa set up her kennels she made sure she picked a place that would not disturb others and vice versa. She was being sensible and considerate. Taylor Wimpey is thinking about nothing but money!"

Mistermoaner wrote: "If the council and Taylor Wimpey choose to ignore this potential problem I cannot see how the kennel owner can be held liable in the future."

Jabbadad wrote: "Even if they (builders) inform possible tenants as to the presence of the Kennels, if the houses are priced low enough, people will buy then start to make complaints, and that lady will lose her business / living."

Meolemucker wrote: "Let's face it, if you bought a house next to a chicken farm you can`t complain when the rooster is crowing all day long so all I can say to Lisa Jackson is you stay put and carry on with your livelihood.

"You were there first and you never know they just may have one or two dogs of their own."

Miss Jackson's business already has to abide by 12 conditions imposed by Malvern Hills District Council, the majority related to noise.

The nine houses next to the kennels would be part of a much larger development on land east of Old Road South, building 113 homes and new estate roads and public open space.

Taylor Wimpey says it held public consultations before submitting the plans and that anyone with concerns can submit them as part of the planning process.

The petition in support of Miss Jackson can be found online at: change.org/p/duty-planning-officer-malvern-council-protect-kempsey-from-more-new-builds.