We’re delighted to confirm that planning appeals to convert the EMD cinema into a UCKG Helpcentre with community use/cinema provision have been dismissed by the government and planning permission has been refused.
This follows agreement by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government of the planning inspectorate’s recommendation to refusal UCKG’s appeals.
The Planning Inspectorate’s full report is here: 13-05-22 Hoe St Comb DL-IR-CN
UCKG have six weeks to challenge the decision in the High Court. Waltham Forest Council pledged last year to consider a compulsory purchase of the cinema should UCKG refuse to negotiate selling it to Waltham Forest Cinema Trust in the event of these appeals being rejected.
Reports covering the decision and response from cinema supporters and the UCKG are here:
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/10438601.EMD_cinema_appeal_rejected/?ref=mc: