AN EVANGELICAL church has promised to listen to the public and open up the former EMD cinema to the community, despite widespread opposition to its plan to convert the listed building into a place of worship.

The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) is preparing to reapply for permission to turn the Hoe Street venue into a church with added facilities for the public. It will put details of its proposal on public display and is inviting feedback from residents.

But last week over 400 residents at a meeting rejected UCKG’s plans and repeated calls for the council to force a purchase of the EMD so it can be re-opened as a cinema.

A previous bid by UCKG to create a church on the site failed following a public inquiry.

But the church has had extensive meetings with council planning officers and the latest application for the Grade II listed Art Deco building has a better chance of success.

UCKG Pastor Paul Hill said: “We have decided on a totally fresh approach by focusing our plans on creating new arts and leisure facilities for the community, to be known as the Granada Rooms.

“Subject to planning consent, we will ensure that essential refurbishment and renovation work is done promptly, to secure the survival of this important local landmark.

“We will provide extensive community facilities open to all, including a performance space. The community will regain access to the building and will be able to enjoy a wide choice of events in the refurbished venue.”

Following the public exhibition and responses from residents, UCKG said it will review its draft planning application before making a submission to Waltham Forest Council.

Pastor Hill added: “Feedback from the community and stakeholders will be taken into account as far as possible, and we will keep the community up to date on our progress through our consultation programme.”

The McGuffin Film Society campaigns for the EMD to be reinstated as a cinema.

Spokesman Bill Hodgson said: "Both UCKG and the councillors would be well advised to take note of how residents voted last week.

This is something which unites most local people and there is no appetite for the solution currently on offer.”