A major expansion project could see additional room at the inn for donkeys and horses at a sanctuary near Fritton.
A planning application has been submitted to Great Yarmouth Borough Council on behalf of Redwings Horse Sanctuary and Equine Veterinary Centre in Caldecott, which, if successful would see a new rehoming centre at the sanctuary.
The new centre would see additional stabling, schooling areas and indoor arena for the horses and donkeys in the sanctuary's care, allowing it to rehome more animals.
The application was submitted after the company - which has 11 sites nationwide - reached capacity, emphasising their need for expansion.
Lynn Cutress, Redwings chief executive, said: 'We currently look after 1,500 rescued horses, ponies and donkeys and have 500 more living out in loving loan homes across East Anglia. We are operating at capacity and that is simply not sustainable.
'We are hoping to add a brand-new rehoming centre at Redwings Caldecott. This would mean we could rehome more horses and ponies through our rehoming scheme, in turn freeing up vital space at the sanctuary to help more horses and donkeys in need.'
If approved, the plans would see two new stable blocks added, for veterinary purposes as well as rehoming, new woodchip areas and an outdoor arena.
Redwings is also hoping to renovate Caldecott Hall, installing a new visitors centre, gift shop and café, which also improving parking facilities.
Mrs Cutress added; 'The whole centre would remain open to visitors as usual throughout the development. We hope it will bring the need for more staff from the area to come and work for us to train our horses and ponies ready for life in a new home.'
As part of the application, Redwings is also looking to retain the wedding facilities of the site, inviting businesses to hold such functions on the site.
'Who wouldn't want to get married surrounded by horses and donkeys?' Mrs Cutress added.
This part of the application, however, has been subject to some objection, with residents nearby raising some concern about noise pollution caused by wedding parties.
One response said: 'Any visitor should be entitled to peace and quiet and not endure the noise created by these events.'
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