THE owners of the former EMD cinema have submitted a planning application to redevelop the listed building - and have pledged to hand over community space to an independent manager.

The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) have asked for permission to turn the building into a mixed-use development incorporating “religious and community assembly”, a café, shops and self-contained flats.

The church plans to hand over the management of the building’s Granada Rooms, which will be available for film screenings and community use, to an independent management company.

The UCKG has also pledged to improve communication with the local community.

Property manager of the UCKG HelpCentre, Pastor Paul Hill, said: “We listened to local opinion which cried out for community use and access, in a restored Granada cinema building, and have come up with a solution that is a 'first' for us.

“Specifically, we are proposing a division of uses between a Christian facility and a commercially-managed community resource.

"We recognise that people want a clear split between the church elements and the Granada Rooms and are already preparing to source a suitable third party to manage this part of the building, independent of us."

The proposed plans include incorporating the Victoria Pub and 186A to186B Hoe Street in the overall design and altering the front of the Grade II listed building.

The main auditorium would be used daily for UCKG’s services and there will be a youth centre, café and bookshop.

The UCKG said its plans will involve minimal disturbance of the original 1930s décor.

Leaders of the church have been accused of fraudulently using charity donations in Brazil, which they deny.

The UCKG insist the claims by Sao Paulo’s public prosecutor will not affect plans for the former EMD as the church’s UK operation is administered separately.