A new church in Leyton was set to be given the go-ahead ten years ago this week.

Plans to turn a former bingo hall and cinema into a church look set to be approved next week.

Council officers have recommended that an application to convert the 'Savoy' building in Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, be rubber stamped at a meeting on Tuesday.

The venue, which was built in 1928, closed as a branch of Gala Bingo last November, but was previously a cinema up to 1979.

The Church Growth Trust Ltd has applied for change of use permission and also wants to build a stage, offices and two areas for children.

During a consultation the council received 15 objections, including a petition signed by 26 people highlighting concerns about the impact on parking and traffic in the area.

But 422 people, from what the council describes as a "wide area", submitted comments supporting the application, praising the church's community work.

The owners of the Savoy, also known as The Granada, are The Potter's House Christian Fellowship, which has a base in Folkestone Road, Walthamstow.

A council report states: "The proposal is considered acceptable in relation to adopted and emerging policy and other material considerations."

Officers have recommended that Waltham Forest Council only grants permission if the church pays a contribution of £15,000 in section 106 grants towards unspecified parking and traffic improvements in the area.