The owners of a dog rescue centre forced to close by financial pressures now plan to sell the site as a domestic property. 

Meadowgreen Dog Rescue Centre in Hales rehomed hundreds of dogs over the course of nearly 20 years. 

The family-run centre closed last year due to rising costs, the knock-on effect of Covid lockdowns and the volume of dogs seeking homes. 

Its owners have now applied to South Norfolk Council to turn the former kennels back into domestic storage, ahead of a planned sale. 

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Susan Cootes, who ran Meadowgreen alongside her daughter Cherie Williams, said: "The kennels served their purpose well but have become outdated. There have been many changes in animal welfare regulations and they are no longer fit for purpose. 

"We have taken to decision to return the kennels to storage use due to our retirement."

Meadowgreen is based at Ms Cootes's family home, which will now be sold, and previously housed around 30 dogs at a time.

Some members of staff worked alongside the family at the centre from its launch in 2004 until its closure.