The patch of land at the entrance to Plymouth's Gables Dogs and Cats Home, which is being auctioned(Image: Submitted)

Highways step in as Plymouth Gables left in shock over land sale

by · PlymouthLive

National Highways has apologised to Plymouth's oldest animal charity after deciding to auction land at its entrance without telling it. Bosses at Gables Dogs & Cats Homes were “shocked” to learn the plot is going under the hammer and only knew about it when signs went up next to Merafield Road.

The charity has wanted to buy the land for years and has now started an appeal for cash, so it can make a bid, which has so far raised more than £8,600. National Highways today said “sorry” to the charity but stressed the land, comprising two small surplus plots, has to be auctioned as it is the best way to sell it on the open market.

A spokesperson for the government-owned company 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.”

The spokesperson added: “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 bosses have said it is vital they buy the land to secure access to the site. And they have also moved to clear up any confusion that the entire Gables site is for sale.

The red line shows the patch of land at the entrance to Gables Dogs and Cats Home, Plymouth, which is being auctioned(Image: Submitted)

They said they had been keen to acquire the strip of land in front of the home’s main entrance since the Merafield Road bridge was replaced in 2016. To secure the safety and access to the site they need to raise cash to buy 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 therefore set up a fundraising campaign on the JustGiving website and has received support from 315 people.

Gables said that any extra funds received in excess to the auction price will go towards legal fees and then into general funds to help look after animals. The charity does not receive any government funding and bosses said it has been hit by the cost-of-living crisis, but they are determined to secure the land. Those who want to make a contribution to the land purchase appeal 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.

Click here to join PlymouthLive on WhatsApp and we'll send breaking news and top stories directly to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice