Maggie Coveney, of Mill Rescue Kennels, has applied to Boston Borough Council for permission to build four free-standing kennel blocks and a reception block at premises on Rainwalls Lane.

If the plans are approved Maggie will need to start fundraising to cover expected costs of £400,000.

She has already launched a Buy A Brick scheme and plans to organise more fundraising events.

Maggie started the rescue about two and a half years ago and due to a rise in the number of stray, unwanted and abandoned dogs, she wants to expand the facilities.

She rehomes around 200 dogs a year.

She said: "Running the rescue takes all my time.

"There are days when you think 'why do I bother?' but then a dog comes in that has been abused and helping it makes it all worthwhile.

"We have had some cases that have been heartbreaking but it is lovely to see the dog recover and be happy in a new home."

Currently the rescue has seven kennels with several dogs staying in foster homes but if plans are approved it will be able to cater for around 50 dogs on site.

The kennels rely entirely on donations and if permission is granted Maggie intends to apply for charity status.

She said: "I would like to be the largest purpose-built dog rescue centre in the area, apart from Dogs' Trust and RSPCA centres, of course.

"We want to provide a hydrotherapy pool and a grooming area as well as part of the plans.

"If the plans are approved I would like to have the centre up and running within about 18 months."

At the moment Maggie runs the centre with help from local volunteers but if the plans are approved she will be taking on six new people.

To find out more about Mill Rescue Kennels visit www.millrescue.co.uk