Questions asked by a Streatham Hill resident have been put to Council officers by Streatham Hill West & Thornton Ward Cllr Donna Harris as a ‘Members Enquiry’:

“Ruach City Church’s planning application for Change of Use of the Streatham Hill Theatre to a place of worship was published at the Planning Portal for comment on the 1st May 2025. Eight and a half months have now passed. Please explain the reason for the delay and advise when this application is expected to go before the PAC [Planning Applications Committee]. Residents opposing this application are understandably concerned and asking to be updated.

Also, the building has been opened for use by the public since the end of June 2024 without planning consent, and without correct safety measures such as preventing the use of the front row of the circle due to its inadequate hand rails. Various works have been undertaken, most recently some electrical works including fixing cables to internal walls, and running cables through new holes in internal masonry. There has also been some interference with the external foundation stone-laying plaque leaving it unsecured and at risk of being removed from the wall and stolen. Has there been any investigation into all the various works and is there planning approval or listed building consent for them? Have the owners been made aware that carrying out unauthorised works to a listed building is a criminal offence and can result in prosecution?”

Members Enquiry response from Council officers:

Ruach City Church

“Apologies for the delay you have experienced in receiving a response to your Members Enquiry on the 21^st January. 

As you can appreciate, due to the complexity of the submission, the assessment of the application at Streatham Hill Theatre remains ongoing. Once officers can make a recommendation, it will be determined whether the application should be referred to the Planning Applications Committee (PAC). At this stage, it is anticipated that the application may be presented to PAC members in late spring or early summer.  

As you may also be aware, the site is currently subject to an active enforcement investigation. This relates to both the existing use of the premises and any works that may have been carried out or are continuing to take place.

Regarding your constituents’ concerns about internal and external alterations, some matters may fall within the remit of Building Control, and these will be discussed with the relevant officers. Any alterations affecting the fabric of the listed building will be raised with the planning agent while the application remains under consideration. Officers have already requested further supporting information on several issues, including noise and community uses, and this will form part of the ongoing assessment.”