On 19 June 2025, London Assembly member Hina Bokhari, OBE (Liberal Democrat) asked the Mayor of London two questions about the pending change of use planning application. He replied on 24 June 2025.

Question 1 (MQ2120): In 2020 you gave £15,000 to the Save Streatham Hill Theatre campaign, and in 2021 you said, “I’m supporting efforts to ensure the magnificent Streatham Hill Theatre is saved for future generations.” Now that a planning application for change of use of the building to a church is under consideration by Lambeth Council, do you still hold those views, and do you still support the use of the building as a theatre?

Answer: As part of my Crowdfund London programme, I pledged funds – along with members of the public – to support the Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre to develop a study on the theatre’s potential re-use, to inform their discussions with the then owners, and their consideration of the redevelopment of the site. The building was subsequently sold to the current owners.  

The application will not be referable to me (see MQ2121 below) and it will be considered by Lambeth as the local Planning Authority, who will need to take account of a range of matters.

Theatres are an important part of London’s cultural fabric and I will continue to support the provision of these assets across the city, alongside the sensitive re-use and restoration of buildings on London’s high streets which are not in use. 24 June 2025

Question 2 (MQ2021): Do you agree that the proposed change of use of Streatham Hill Theatre breaches your London Plan 2021, in particular policy HC5?

Answer: The planning application for the change of use is not referable to me and it is for the Local Planning Authority, Lambeth Council to determine and assess the planning application against the policies in my London Plan and Lambeth’s own local plan. I consider that policies HC5 and S1 of my London Plan are relevant to the consideration of the application. Policy HC5 states Development Plans and development proposals should protect existing cultural facilities and uses where appropriate, whilst Policy S1 states development proposals that provide high quality inclusive social infrastructure that addresses a local or strategic need should be supported (social infrastructure is identified in the London Plan as covering a wide range of services and facilities including faith facilities).