Plymouth's Gables animal home in urgent plea for cash to buy land

William Telford
·4-min read
Gables Dogs and Cats Home is issuing an urgent appeal for help their rescue dogs and cats sizzling in the heat stay cool.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Plymouth's oldest animal charity has made a desperate plea for cash after learning a vital patch of land at its entrance is being auctioned off. Bosses at Gables Dogs & Cats Home said they were “shocked” to learn the land is going under the hammer - as they had wanted to buy it for years.

They said it is vital they buy the land - owned by National Highways - to secure access to the site. And they moved to clear up any confusion that the entire Gables site is for sale.

They said they had been keen to acquire the “tiny strip of land” in front of the home’s main entrance since the Merafield Road bridge was replaced in 2016. Gables bosses said it has been put on auction without notice or offer to the charity.

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To secure the safety and access to the site they need to raise funds to purchase the land, which will go to auction on December 4. The land is about 0.3 Acres (0.13 hectares) with a guide price of £2,000 - but because it is an auction, the land could go for more on the day and legal costs would have to be paid too.

The charity, based on land between Plympton and Plymstock, has set up a fundraising campaign on the JustGiving website and has already surpassed its target of £4,000. By 10am today the appeal had raised £4,833 from 184 people. Gables said that any extra funds received in excess to the auction price will go towards the associated legal fees and into general funds to help the animals in its care.

Claire Sparkes, Gables’ general manager, said: “When the Merafield Road bridge was replaced back in 2016 we started making inquiries to be able to purchase this tiny strip of land that was created when the old bridge was demolished. We were passed back and forth between Highways England (now called National Highways) and Plymouth City Council as no one really knew what was going to happen with this land.

“Then the Covid-19 pandemic happened so it was all put on hold. We weren’t able to get any further after this so it was a huge shock to find an auction sign being erected at our main entrance this morning.

“No one from the council, National Highways or the auction firm had the courtesy of informing us this was happening. We desperately need to be able to purchase this land to secure the safety and access to our site so are raising funds to cover the costs. We are hoping our amazing supporters will get behind us and donate towards our appeal”.

A National Highways spokesperson said: “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.

“The land offered for sale comprises two small plots, one either side of the entrance to The Gables but neither of which impacts on or restricts access to the Gables.

“In terms of managing the public purse, all Government agencies, companies and departments, including National Highways, are bound by Treasury guidance and are obliged to sell surplus land at market value, which means, land should be offered to the public on the open market.

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

Gables Dogs & Cats Home does not receive any government funding and bosses said the charity has felt the financial strain from the cost-of-living crisis, but they are determined to secure their site and future. Those who want to make a contribution to the land purchase appeal, you can do this by:

Gables Dogs and Cats Home is Plymouth's oldest non-euthanasia animal rescue and rehoming centre that has been helping the region’s unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats since 1907. It takes in and cares for nearly 1,000 dogs and cats every year and either rehomes them or re-unites them with their owners.

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