9:50am Thursday 19th May 2011
By Ima Jackson-Obot
AN evangelical church has vowed to continue its fight to convert a former cinema into a place of worship.
An application by the United Church for the Kingdom of God to re-open the grade-II listed former EMD building in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, as a church was unanimously rejected by councillors last night following an emotionally charged meeting.
Hundreds of supporters of the church and campaigners pushing for the venue to re-open as a cinema packed the Assembly Hall, with many were left outside.
Listen to the crowds chanting:
Commitee members agreed that the plan would have a detrimental impact on the local economy and is not compatible with the building’s special historic interest.
But Following the committee’s decision to uphold planners' recommendations, the church remained defiant.
UCKG’s Pastor Paul Hill, who before the meeting said the church had the support of 3,000 local people, confirmed an appeal against the decision will be lodged.
He said: “The outcome was expected, wasn't it? The committee was going to follow the officers' report.
“We will never be able to appease those who are opposed to our plans.”
Council leader Chris Robbins said the right decision had been made and the authority will challenge any appeal.
The newly-formed Waltham Forest Cinema Trust, which hopes to raise £9 million to buy and renovate the cinema, said it will be contacting UCKG today with an invitation to begin negotiations on a possible sale of the venue.
East London and West Essex Guardian Series has no responsibility or control over the content on external blogging sites, but you can contact us if you have a complaint.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/trade_directory/