A zoo, conservation centre and a miniature railway are all part of Andy and Kelly Cowell’s plans for their rural pub.

The couple moved into The Fenn Bell Inn, St Mary Hoo, in December 2014 and have gradually turned the site into a home for rescued animals, much to the delight of children and adults alike.

But in July they had to rope off some of the cages to stop visitors seeing the monkeys until a zoo licence is granted.

They are now in the process of submitting their plans to Medway Council and hope to boost their application with letters of support from the public.

Mr Cowell said: “It is essential for the project to go ahead and for us to be able to be granted our zoo licence that we receive planning permission.

"A lot of people have expressed support for our project both online, on Facebook and in person and in the pub over the last year.

“When or if we are granted permission we will then look to be granted our zoo licence. So overall we remain positive and keep our fingers crossed that we can hopefully gain planning and fulfil zoo licencing regulations this year.”

In hopeful preparation, handwashing facilities have been installed outside the 17th century pub.

A public consultation will be held at the pub tonight (Monday) between 6pm and 8pm.