Gables charity fights to save land from auction

A rescue centre in Plymouth is taking action after receiving notice that land surrounding its main entrance has been put up for sale. 

Gables Dogs & Cats Home, the city’s oldest animal charity, said they were “shocked” to discover on Saturday, 9 November, that a narrow strip of land in front of their entrance, which they have been trying to secure for years, is now scheduled for auction.

ABOVE: The land highlighted for auction 

According to the charity, the land was listed for sale without prior notice or offer to Gables.

The charity, based on Merafield Road, has sought to purchase this strip of land since 2016, when the Merafield Road bridge was replaced, creating a small verge at their entrance. General Manager Claire Sparkes expressed frustration, explaining that their efforts have been repeatedly stalled as ownership of the land passed between National Highways and Plymouth City Council. 

“It was a huge shock to see an auction sign at our entrance without any warning. The location of the sign even gives the impression that our charity is up for auction, which is certainly not the case,” Ms Sparkes said. 

She added that the land sale poses a serious risk to their boarding services, which are essential to funding the charity’s animal welfare work.

She continued: “The effect this could have on our dog and cat boarding service that raises funds for the welfare work we do could be catastrophic. All we want to do with the land is keep it as it is, which is a lovely wildlife haven to maintain our boundary as it was before this new bridge and road were put into place. We desperately need to be able to purchase this land to secure the safety of our staff who live onsite who care for our animals so are raising funds to cover the costs. We are hoping our amazing supporters will get behind us and donate towards our appeal.”

To secure the land and protect access to their site, Gables needs to raise an estimated £10,000 by 4 December, when the auction is set to take place. 

However, the charity is concerned that the auction could drive the price up further, leaving their future uncertain.

Local representatives have stepped in to support the rescue centre, including South West Devon MP Rebecca Smith, who has contacted National Highways directly to discuss the sale. 

Additionally, Councillor Daniel Steel, who represents Plymstock Radford, where the charity is located, has publicly opposed the sale. 

Mr Steel has written to the CEO of National Highways, urging them to reconsider the auction in light of Gables' long-standing interest and the potential impacts on the charity’s operations.

In a public letter on his social media page, Mr Steel stated that he was “opposed to the auction” and expressed concern about the impact on Gables’ mission.

In response to the concerns, National Highways issued a statement acknowledging the shelter’s interest and apologising for not notifying them before the auction sign was posted. They explained that Treasury guidelines require government agencies to sell surplus land at market value on the open market, adding: “We appreciate and empathise with the animal shelter’s interest in the purchase of land close to their estate, and in our most recent communication, we have apologised for not contacting them prior to the sale board being erected.”

National Highways further clarified that the land being offered for sale comprises two small plots on either side of Gables’ entrance, neither of which “impacts on or restricts access” to the charity’s property. 

They added: “The sale of this land, by auction in December, provides a fair and transparent opportunity for any potential buyer to make a bid.”

Gables has launched an urgent Land Purchase Appeal to secure donations. 

Those wishing to contribute can donate by phone at 01752 331602, online via JustGiving (https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/land) PayPal (www.paypal.me/gablesdogsandcats), or directly through the charity’s website at  www.gables.org.uk/how-can-you-help/make-a-donation-2

Donations by post can be sent to Gables Dogs & Cats Home, 204 Merafield Rd, Plymouth, PL7 1UQ. 

The charity has said any funds raised beyond the goal will be used to support the animals in their care.