Villagers are furious after it emerged an international animal welfare charity has agreed to sell some of its land for a development they fear will be "destructive beyond belief".

An area of around 130 acres north of the A11 near Snetterton is being earmarked for warehousing and distribution.

World Horse Welfare, whose HQ is nearby, has confirmed it has agreed to sell land making up "a small proportion of the overall site".

But the Save Snetterton group fears the village is under threat from the proposals, which come amid major development pencilled in beside the A11 between Wymondham and Thetford.

Its Facebook page says: "As a local community we have noticed the ever increasing industrialisation of our village and surrounding rural areas since we all moved here. This is not acceptable.

"To surround these properties with buildings, cars, noise and further light pollution will be destructive beyond belief."

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Eastern Daily Press: The land beside the A11, which is being proposed as suitable for 'employment, leisure, retail or health'The land beside the A11, which is being proposed as suitable for 'employment, leisure, retail or health' (Image: Google)

Villager Geraint Ellis said: "The World Horse Welfare charity is selling a significant proportion of its land to a London developer and is set to make a very large profit at the expense of wildlife, the countryside, local residents and even their own horses.

"Despite considerable local opposition the charity has sold the option to buy and develop this land to London based Boudica Developments."

Boudica said it was in discussions with multiple landowners to purchase land to develop a so-called logistics hub, adding: "The exact details of what will be developed is subject to further work and design, as well as planning permission from Breckland Council." 

Jessica Stark, WHW's director of communications and public affairs, said:  “The sale of this piece of land will allow us to make a greater impact for horses through our strategy of expanding our research, education and influence to help us achieve our mission to work with horses, horse owners, communities, organisations and governments to improve welfare standards and stamp out suffering in the UK and worldwide."

The charity's patrons include the King's niece Zara Tindall, cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew and broadcaster Sara Cox.