Petition Launched Against Plans to Turn Kingston Cemetery Lodge Into Housing

A local campaigner has launched a petition opposing plans to convert the historic Kingston Cemetery Lodge into residential accommodation, arguing the building should instead serve the community and visitors to the cemetery.

The petition, being promoted outside Kingston Cemetery, follows recent controversy surrounding proposals to convert the vacant lodge into housing.

Campaigners say the lodge represents a unique opportunity to provide much-needed facilities for those visiting loved ones at the cemetery, including a café, tearoom, toilets and a dedicated space for reflection and support during times of grief.

The debate comes after it emerged that a proposal submitted in 2024 to transform the building into a café and community facility was rejected. The proposal, put forward by local resident Nick Mutton and his partner Conor Blandford, aimed to create a welcoming environment for cemetery visitors while also generating funds to help support the upkeep of the cemetery grounds.

According to the couple, the idea was inspired following the burial of a family member and the lack of facilities available to visitors dealing with bereavement.

However, Portsmouth City Council later advised that the building was not available, citing wider plans for the site.

More recently, plans have progressed for the lodge to be converted back into residential accommodation, with the council stating that the building has historically been used as a residence and that investment is being sought to restore the property while providing additional homes for local families.

The proposal has sparked opposition from some residents, who believe the building should remain available for a community-focused use that benefits cemetery visitors rather than becoming private housing.

Campaigner Paul Newman has now begun gathering signatures in support of the petition, calling on Portsmouth City Council to reconsider the future of the lodge and explore options that would provide facilities and support services within the cemetery grounds.

Supporters of the petition argue that Kingston Cemetery is one of Portsmouth’s most significant historic cemeteries and that facilities for visitors would be a more appropriate use of the building.

Paul Newman is currently outside Kingston Cemetery gathering signatures from local residents who oppose the plans. If you would like to support the campaign and help protect what many believe should remain a community-focused facility, please pop along, sign the petition and show your support for the local area and wider Portsmouth community. Every signature helps demonstrate the strength of local feeling surrounding the future of the historic lodge.

Portsmouth City Council has previously stated that any planning application would be subject to public consultation before a final decision is made.

Residents wishing to support or oppose the plans are encouraged to take part in the consultation process should a formal application be submitted.

Source: View original post on Facebook

Posted: 2026-06-10T09:46:59+0000