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Campaigner Continues Fight to Save Historic Kingston Cemetery Lodge as Petition Passes 3,000 Signatures A determined local resident has entered the second day of a public petition opposing plans to convert the historic Grade II listed South Lodge at Kingston Cemetery into residential accommodation, with the campaign now attracting more than 3,000 signatures. Paul Newman has spent the past two days outside Kingston Cemetery gathering support from residents who share concerns about the future of the landmark building, which sits prominently within one of Portsmouth's most historic cemeteries. The growing campaign follows controversy surrounding proposals for the former lodge, with many local residents arguing that the building should remain connected to the operation and upkeep of the cemetery rather than being used for housing. Supporters of the petition believe the lodge would be better utilised as a base for grounds staff, cemetery workers or other council employees responsible for maintaining the site. Others have suggested it could provide facilities for visitors, including a place of reflection, support services, a café or other community-focused amenities for those visiting loved ones. Campaigners argue that Kingston Cemetery is a place of remembrance, reflection and respect, and that any future use of the lodge should reflect the unique and sensitive nature of its surroundings. Concerns have also been raised regarding the long-term impact that residential occupation could have on the character of the cemetery. Some residents fear that introducing housing within the cemetery grounds could lead to inappropriate activity, increased disturbance or security concerns, while reducing the visible presence of staff responsible for maintaining and overseeing the site. The petition comes after previous proposals for community-focused uses of the building failed to progress. Critics have questioned why alternative community uses were not pursued before plans for residential accommodation moved forward. Kingston Cemetery is one of Portsmouth's most significant historic burial grounds and is visited by thousands of people every year paying their respects to family members and loved ones. Supporters of the campaign believe the lodge should remain an asset that serves the cemetery and wider community rather than becoming private accommodation. With more than 3,000 signatures already collected, campaigners say the level of support demonstrates the strength of local feeling surrounding the future of the historic lodge. Paul Newman is currently outside Kingston Cemetery gathering signatures from local residents who oppose the plans and will be there until 6pm today. 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. Campaigners hope the petition will encourage decision-makers to reconsider the proposals and explore alternative uses that maintain the building's connection to Kingston Cemetery, its visitors and the wider Portsmouth community. The campaign is expected to continue over the coming days as supporters seek to ensure the future of the Grade II listed lodge reflects both its historic significance and the wishes of local residents. :::

Campaigner Continues Fight to Save Historic Kingston Cemetery Lodge as Petition Passes 3,000 Signatures A determined local resident has entered the second day of a public petition opposing plans to convert the historic Grade II listed South Lodge at Kingston Cemetery into residential accommodation, with the campaign now attracting more than 3,000 signatures. Paul Newman has spent the past two days outside Kingston Cemetery gathering support from residents who share concerns about the future of the landmark building, which sits prominently within one of Portsmouth’s most historic cemeteries. The growing campaign follows controversy surrounding proposals for the former lodge, with many local residents arguing that the building should remain connected to the operation and upkeep of the cemetery rather than being used for housing. Supporters of the petition believe the lodge would be better utilised as a base for grounds staff, cemetery workers or other council employees responsible for maintaining the site. Others have suggested it could provide facilities for visitors, including a place of reflection, support services, a café or other community-focused amenities for those visiting loved ones. Campaigners argue that Kingston Cemetery is a place of remembrance, reflection and respect, and that any future use of the lodge should reflect the unique and sensitive nature of its surroundings. Concerns have also been raised regarding the long-term impact that residential occupation could have on the character of the cemetery. Some residents fear that introducing housing within the cemetery grounds could lead to inappropriate activity, increased disturbance or security concerns, while reducing the visible presence of staff responsible for maintaining and overseeing the site. The petition comes after previous proposals for community-focused uses of the building failed to progress. Critics have questioned why alternative community uses were not pursued before plans for residential accommodation moved forward. Kingston Cemetery is one of Portsmouth’s most significant historic burial grounds and is visited by thousands of people every year paying their respects to family members and loved ones. Supporters of the campaign believe the lodge should remain an asset that serves the cemetery and wider community rather than becoming private accommodation. With more than 3,000 signatures already collected, campaigners say the level of support demonstrates the strength of local feeling surrounding the future of the historic lodge. Paul Newman is currently outside Kingston Cemetery gathering signatures from local residents who oppose the plans and will be there until 6pm today. 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. Campaigners hope the petition will encourage decision-makers to reconsider the proposals and explore alternative uses that maintain the building’s connection to Kingston Cemetery, its visitors and the wider Portsmouth community. The campaign is expected to continue over the coming days as supporters seek to ensure the future of the Grade II listed lodge reflects both its historic significance and the wishes of local residents. :::

hampshireeditor 11/06/2026

Campaigner Continues Fight to Save Historic Kingston Cemetery Lodge as Petition Passes 3,000 Signatures A determined local resident has entered...

Read MoreRead more about Campaigner Continues Fight to Save Historic Kingston Cemetery Lodge as Petition Passes 3,000 Signatures
A determined local resident has entered the second day of a public petition opposing plans to convert the historic Grade II listed South Lodge at Kingston Cemetery into residential accommodation, with the campaign now attracting more than 3,000 signatures.
Paul Newman has spent the past two days outside Kingston Cemetery gathering support from residents who share concerns about the future of the landmark building, which sits prominently within one of Portsmouth’s most historic cemeteries.
The growing campaign follows controversy surrounding proposals for the former lodge, with many local residents arguing that the building should remain connected to the operation and upkeep of the cemetery rather than being used for housing.
Supporters of the petition believe the lodge would be better utilised as a base for grounds staff, cemetery workers or other council employees responsible for maintaining the site. Others have suggested it could provide facilities for visitors, including a place of reflection, support services, a café or other community-focused amenities for those visiting loved ones.
Campaigners argue that Kingston Cemetery is a place of remembrance, reflection and respect, and that any future use of the lodge should reflect the unique and sensitive nature of its surroundings.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the long-term impact that residential occupation could have on the character of the cemetery. Some residents fear that introducing housing within the cemetery grounds could lead to inappropriate activity, increased disturbance or security concerns, while reducing the visible presence of staff responsible for maintaining and overseeing the site.
The petition comes after previous proposals for community-focused uses of the building failed to progress. Critics have questioned why alternative community uses were not pursued before plans for residential accommodation moved forward.
Kingston Cemetery is one of Portsmouth’s most significant historic burial grounds and is visited by thousands of people every year paying their respects to family members and loved ones. Supporters of the campaign believe the lodge should remain an asset that serves the cemetery and wider community rather than becoming private accommodation.
With more than 3,000 signatures already collected, campaigners say the level of support demonstrates the strength of local feeling surrounding the future of the historic lodge.
Paul Newman is currently outside Kingston Cemetery gathering signatures from local residents who oppose the plans and will be there until 6pm today. 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.
Campaigners hope the petition will encourage decision-makers to reconsider the proposals and explore alternative uses that maintain the building’s connection to Kingston Cemetery, its visitors and the wider Portsmouth community.
The campaign is expected to continue over the coming days as supporters seek to ensure the future of the Grade II listed lodge reflects both its historic significance and the wishes of local residents. :::

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