SUPPORTERS and objectors of plans to allow the former EMD to be converted into a church have until Friday to submit their comments.

The official council deadline for comments was last Monday, but Waltham Forest’s planning department has said it will continue to accept comments and objections until Friday, September 25.

The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) have submitted an application to redevelop the listed Hoe Street building into a mixed-use development incorporating “religious and community assembly”, a café, shops and self-contained flats for use by the church.

The church has promised that its conference rooms, the Granada Rooms, will be managed independently and will be available to the public for hire for film screenings and community use.

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.

The McGuffin Film Society said 400 residents attended its 'day of action' at the Rose and Crown Theatre Pub in Walthamstow on September 13, where cinema supporters were invited to sign petitions and register their comments about plans for the Art Deco building.

Television and film star Paul McGann attended the event, signed a petition and declared his support for the McGuffin campaign and Neil Gerrard MP made a speech.