A dog-lover hoping to 'revolutionise kennel care' has lodged a bid to build a new haven for hounds.

Eastern Daily Press: Wag-It owner Sarah Hebden. who is hoping to open a new 'luxury' dog kennel. Picture: Courtesy of Sarah HebdenWag-It owner Sarah Hebden. who is hoping to open a new 'luxury' dog kennel. Picture: Courtesy of Sarah Hebden (Image: Sarah Murdo)

Sarah Hebden, owner of Wag-It, a company offering home boarding and day care for dogs, has applied to build a new facility in Weston Longville.

The project would consist of a specifically-designed kennel building with space to accommodate up to 40 dogs - a building proposed to be full air-conditioned, heated and sound-proofed.

However, Ms Hebden, who set the business up six years ago and has six dogs of her own, said she aims to provide more than a traditional kennel experience.

She said: 'I want to revolutionise kennel care. Traditional kennels are an alien environment to household dogs, so I want them to feel more like it is a second home.'

Her application to Broadland District Council says she plans to do this by providing 'luxurious, contained individual suites', 'designed specifically for the purpose of giving the dogs the highest level of comfort'.

The site is at Greensgate Thatch on Rectory Road, on the edge of the village, with Ms Hebden planning to also provide space for her guests to exercise.

However, she is confident of allaying any potential noise fears by making sure just the top dogs get to stay.

She added: 'I'm not naive enough to think there won't be any objections, however, I have searched long and hard for the right property and feel this is the ideal.

'I am also very careful about the dogs I take in. Each dog has a meet and greet before they are allowed to stay at which I assess their behaviour and whether the place would suit them.

'I look out for things like nuisance barking, separation anxiety, dominance or aggression and if I feel this would be a problem, those dogs won't be allowed to stay.'

Ms Hebden previously ran the business from a property in Coltishall, however increasing demand and personal circumstances have led to her requiring a new, larger, site for the expanding operation.

The application is due to be decided by Broadland District Council in due course.