A PETITION calling for a halt to plans to remove temporary outdoor seating on the Esplanade in Penarth has been started.

The petition calls for the Vale of Glamorgan Council to backtrack on plans to remove the seating which was installed during the pandemic in order to help businesses.

Traders on the Esplanade were given notice that they must remove the seating by June 30 this year, as the licence to have the seating ends then.

The seating currently blocks an extra 13 car parking spaces, though some have said this is a small price to pay for adding vibrancy to the Esplanade.

However, others argue that the extra parking is needed as most bays are often full, especially during the summer.

The Welsh Government recently proposed that some of the seating on land adjacent to hospitality venues could remain without the need for further planning permission.

The consultancy for this proposal ended on February 15.

The petition, started by Jemma Angove, states: "The outdoor seating area was a welcome addition to the Esplanade".

It also claims the move will encourage people to drive, conflicting with the Vale of Glamorgan Council's goal to achieving 'net zero' status.

The petition asks the Vale of Glamorgan Council to reconsider this move in light of the public reaction.

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A commenter on the petition said: "I’ve never seen the sea front so busy, so obviously there’s no need for more parking.

"Leave the sea front as it is, so people can continue to enjoy it and support local traders."

Another commented: "It's good to see people enjoying themselves on the sea front.

"A move back to parking would be a backward step."

At the time of writing, the petition has gained 1,165 signatures in a few days.

To view the petition, click here.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has been contacted for comment.