Local Public Inquiry

The Local Public Inquiry into the LDA’s Masterplan application for Crystal Palace Park was held from 7th July 2009 to 7th August 2009. The CPCA was in attendance daily. There were three additional days in early September for closing statements and site visits.

The Planning Inspector is now preparing his report and recommendations to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, John Denham, who will issue his decision on or before 22 July 2010.

Inquiry documents
Until a decision is reached, the representations and policy documents will remain available on the Inquiry website: www.persona.uk.com/crystalpalace/.

Violin/Piano Recital
In aid of Haiti Earthquake Appeal
Christ Church Gipsy Hill, Highland Road SE19
Saturday 20th February 2010 at 7.30


The repetoire from Erika Eisele (Violin) and Jennifer Carter (Piano) will include Brahms' Scherzo in C minor, Glazunov's Meditation and Franck's Violin Sonata.

Just turn up on the night. Admission is free, donations in aid of Haiti Eathquake Appeal will be appreciated.

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A cinema for Crystal Palace?


Latest - December 2009
On 17 December Bromley Council’s Planning Committee rejected Kingsway International Christian Centre’s application to turn the former Gala Bingo Hall into a church. See www.picture-palace.org for further details.

You can see CPCA’s objection to the Change of Use of 25 Church Road here (opens in new window).

The Rialto cinema, Church Road 1940s
The Gala bingo hall at 25 Church Road, SE19 has been sold to an evangelical church. It is understood that an independent cinema operator also put in an offer that was not accepted. The art deco building was originally built in 1928 as a cinema, its beautiful interior designed by the renowned cinema architect George Coles. It currently has a designated D2 planning use (cinema/bingo).

THEN: the Rialto in the 1940s
NOW: a series of protests were held outside the building in June

Cinema demo, June 2009

The church aims to relocate its congregation from Wimbledon, and will shortly submit a planning application to Bromley Council for change of use from community use to a place of worship. Bromley’s Advisory Panel for Conservation Areas (APCA), upon which the CPCA sit, will consider the application before it goes to Bromley Planning.

A campaign has been set up to persuade Bromley to retain the building’s current usage, in the belief that restoring the building as a cinema would support the regeneration and economic growth of the area, and provide an amenity which all members of the community can enjoy.

The campaign is also concerned at the prospect of increased traffic congestion and parking issues that would occur if the premises were used as a place of worship for large numbers of people from outside the area.

More details can be found on the campaign’s website:
www.picture-palace.org

(Thanks to The Transmitter for the protest photo)

Cinema - Press and Comment:


Local Comment (feeling listless):
Interview with Louise Ferguson of the Crystal Palace Picture Palace Campaign

Local press (Streatham Guardian):
Croydon Council reject Crystal Palace cinema conversion plans

Local press (Streatham Guardian):
Croydon Council reject Crystal Palace cinema conversion plans

Local press (Your Local Guardian):
Fresh hope for Crystal Palace cinema campaigners

Local comment (Movie Talk):
Couch Potato Moved by Movie House Campaign

Local comment (The Transmitter):
Cinema campaign meeting -venue packed

Local press (Croydon Guardian):
Church application for Crystal Palace 'cinema' site invalid

Local press (Croydon Guardian):
Church submits planning application for Crystal Palace 'cinema' site

National press (The Independent):
John Walsh: God wants you wealthy – and he'd also like your cinema and a fast car

Local comment (The Bedside Crow):
Built for a Purpose. Bring Back the Rialto.

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Latest stories


A cinema for Crystal Palace?  Posted - July 2009


The Gala bingo hall at 25 Church Road, SE19 has been sold to an evangelical church. It is understood that an independent cinema operator also put in an offer that was not accepted. The art deco building was originally built in 1928 as a cinema, its beautiful interior designed by the renowned cinema architect George Coles. It currently has a designated D2 planning use (cinema/bingo).

>> Full story here

Local public inquiry to take place at Crystal Palace starting July 7th  Posted - 22 May 2009


Following representations from the CPCA, its members and others, the CPCA is reassured by the decision of the Local Public Inquiry Inspector, Alan Novitzky, to transfer the Inquiry into the LDA Masterplan application for Crystal Palace Park, scheduled for 7th July 2009, from Bromley Civic Centre to the Salvation Army Hall, 58 Westow Street, SE19.

>> Full story here

When is a Crystal Palace not a Crystal Palace? When it’s a hotel and entertainment complex  Posted - 17 April 2009


The CPCA has received the following letter from Dr Martin Heath -

Sir, Come on out you cowards and fight! That's my message to the moneymen lurking in the shadows behind the so-called “Rebuild Crystal Palace” project, which is being fronted publicly by certain traders on the Triangle, and architect Ray Hall.

>> Letter continues here

CPCA to participate in Local Public Inquiry for LDA Masterplan  Posted - 5 March 2009


The CPCA has been granted ‘Rule 6’ status by the Planning Inspectorate at the forthcoming local Public Inquiry into the LDA Crystal Palace Park Masterplan applications. Rule 6 gives the CPCA similar status as Bromley and the LDA (the developer) at the Inquiry and the opportunity to question witnesses and others, and test evidence.

The CPCA has prepared a ‘statement of case’ and written ‘proofs of evidence’ and awaits confirmation of the date and venue of the Inquiry.

>> Full story here

Older news
Please see our Archive pages

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 Links


 Recent newsletters


  • Spring 2009 Newsletter
    With detailed articles on local issues including the LDA Masterplan application process, conservation area planning and the potential impact of building houses on Crystal Palace Park.
  • Spring 2008 Newsletter
    An important edition that covers the LDA Master plan application for Crystal Palace Park in great detail.
    • Read online, download or request a hard copy.

 Documents