A couple said it’s “outrageous” that the proposal was dismissed.

Portsmouth City Council is facing criticism for dismissing plans for a café and tearoom at the Kingston Cemetery Lodge, before allowing a housing proposal to progress a year later.

In January 2024, Nick Mutton, a local commercial buying director, approached Portsmouth City Council with a proposal to convert the vacant Kingston Cemetery Lodge into a café for visitors.

This follows a recent controversy in which the Portsmouth Housing Community Trust applied for planning permission to change the lodge into two homes.

Local residents have voiced criticism towards the proposal, including launching a petition, arguing that converting the lodge into homes would be disrespectful to its setting.

In January 2024, Mr Mutton and his partner Conor Blandford approached the council about whether they could lease or purchase the lodge as a “café/tearoom and to provide monies back to the Cemetery or Council to help keep up the cemetery”.

The enquiry followed the burial of Mr Blandford’s grandfather, and the couple felt that there was a “severe lack of facilities” at the cemetery, such as a café, a place of reflection, and nearby toilets “for the benefit of cemetery users”.

“Conor wanted to set-up and operate this environment to be beneficial for users, for his own mental health also and give something back to Portsmouth, where he has grown up, to help both himself and others come to terms with the difficulties surrounding grief.

“Furthermore, a section of profits from the venture would be given to the cemetery to assist with upkeep of the grounds and buildings.”

After receiving little response, and amid confusion surrounding the ownership of the site, they were told that there are “extensive plans for improving the building as part of an overall strategy to improve the cemetery and therefore it currently isn’t available at this time”.

Mr Mutton said it was “outrageous” and that the lodge should be “used and enjoyed by the people using the cemetery”.

A council spokesperson said: “The lodge and the land that it sits on are owned by Portsmouth City Council.

“The building has historically been used as a residential property, including by private residents, and a housing association is exploring funding to convert the lodge into two homes.

“It has sought an initial planning view, and public consultation would take place as part of a relevant planning application.

“The council’s focus is on securing investment to improve the condition of the lodge and continue its long-standing residential use, providing homes for local families.”