More than 200 residents have signed a petition opposing Newport City Council's plans to convert a green space in Rogerstone into allotments. The location, between Groes Road and Ruskin Avenue, is among eight sites the council has identified as suitable for allotments amid high demand across the city.
Petitioners say green space is vital
The petition argues the space is used informally by residents for recreation, dog-walking, children's play and day-to-day social interaction. It calls the area 'a vital shared community asset that supports neighbourly connections and outdoor activity'.
Organiser Susan Jarrett told a council scrutiny committee that the 201 signatories were not opposed to providing more allotments but believed Groes Road was 'the wrong place'. 'People for years have walked there, played there, had picnics there,' she said. She warned the green space would be 'gone for good for the whole community' if replaced by 25 proposed allotments, adding: 'It doesn't make sense.'
Committee forwards petition without recommendation
The committee also heard concerns about increased traffic in the residential area. Members sympathised with residents' worries but stopped short of advising the cabinet on whether to approve or reject the plans. Cllr John Reynolds said the committee lacked sufficient information to determine the outcome. The petition will be forwarded without recommendation to cabinet member for climate change Cllr Yvonne Forsey, forming part of the consultation feedback.
Separate objections in Lliswerry
In a separate development, Lliswerry councillor Andrew Sterry wrote to Cllr Forsey objecting to another proposed allotment site in his ward. Residents of Hillview Crescent 'have expressed clear and significant opposition' to converting the central grassed area into ten allotments, Sterry said. He asked whether the cabinet member would confirm the proposal would be withdrawn, and if not, what weight would be given to residents' views. Cllr Forsey replied that she could not pre-empt the consultation outcome, which ended in June, and that the consultation would inform the council's view alongside deliverability, suitability and wider community benefit.
