Thousands back Crystal Palace cinema campaign

7.25.51am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 27th Sep 2009

Lib Dems Tom Papworth, John Canvin and Alex Feakes at the former Gala Bingo in Church Road

Lib Dems support local residents as planning application now in

A campaign to bring a cinema to Crystal Palace has taken off, with over 5,000 people joining the Facebook group and campaigners gathering three thousand signatures for a petition to Bromley Council.

The campaign was triggered by the closure of the Gala bingo hall at 25 Church Road. The building was until 1968 one of two cinemas in Crystal Palace.

Lib Dem parliamentary spokesman Alex Feakes said "I would welcome the return of cinema to Crystal Palace, and hope that Bromley council will explore all options to help make it happen."

The former cinema and bingo-hall has been bought by a church-group, KICC, who have submitted a planning application to convert the building to a place of worship, which would require a 'Change-of-Use' certificate.

Your local councillors, Lib Dems Tom Papworth and John Canvin, have met with residents to give advice on how to present their case at any future planning committee.

Residents are concerned that the KICC proposal could result in excessive noise and put additional pressure on already-tight parking. But there is also a long-standing interest in having a cinema in the area.

Cllr Papworth commented: "Crystal Palace triangle needs businesses that will attract people from across southeast London. A cinema would add to the lively, thriving community with its restaurants, shops and bars."

Residents who wish to express their views should write to Bromley Council's planning Department to voice their opinions. The planning committee are unlikely to sit before November so residents should write to the Council as soon as possible. Letters must quote application no. DC/09/02202/FULL1.

Residents should email planning@bromley.gov.uk or write to Simon Greenwood, Planning Department, Bromley Civic Centre, Bromley BR1 3UH.

Related Links:

Cinema campaign Facebook group.

Cinema petition.

Cinema campaign site.