Forum topic: Planning application submitted for demolition of the Intimate Theatre

Hello everyone,

A lot of you have asked how you can help try and save the Intimate Theatre, well now we need your help. Please feel free to share this with anyone you think may be able to help, it only takes 5 minutes to do.

The plans have been submitted to the council to demolish the Intimate and replace with 6 flats and a new parish centre. This means we can now object to the plans, but for it to count you must do so before Monday 08 Jul 2019.

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You can find the plans here:

19/01988/FUL | Redevelopment of site involving demolition of existing building and ancillary structures and erection of part 2, part 3 storey building with basement level to provide new church hall with parish community facilities and 6 x 2 bed self contained flats with associated landscaping. | St Monicas Hall 521 Green Lanes London N13 4DH

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Thank you! Hopefully with enough objections we can save the Theatre.

You can add your own concerns of feel free to cut and paste any or all of the following information below:

I would like to object to the following planning as I do not feel that the Intimate Theatre should be demolished and should be preserved as part of Enfield’s Cultural Heritage.

The building has been listed as an ACV which indicates its local significance. It is on Enfield’s Local Heritage list – entry 113 – on the basis of its rarity, historic association, landmark status, social value and creative association.

I disagree with the information provided in the Heritage Statement. I believe it seeks to undermine the building’s importance as a theatre – its history tells a different story and it has played a huge part in our cultural history being the first theatre to reopen in London during the war, the first to broadcast a live play on the BBC as well as giving many renowned actors the opportunity to start their careers. It survives today as one of the few examples of a repertory theatre left in the country.

Further, at section 1.16 of the Heritage statement (page 8), it is stated that potential refurbishment of the existing building was considered. This seems misleading, as a worked proposal was shared with the church and indeed made public by a group looking to assist and all attempts to discuss these proposals were dismissed.

That the building’s current lawful use under TP/87/2047 includes theatre use (Change of use of premises from theatre to parish community centre incorporating smaller theatre and facilities for arts crafts discussion groups and social centre activities) there is no provision under the new plans to include a stage or performing area. Paragraph 92 of the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) seeks decisions to guard against the loss of valued facilities.

Paragraph 8 of the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) outlines that sustainable development has a social objective which should support social and cultural wellbeing. Yet local community groups have been told that they will not be able to book the venue so the impression of it being open for the community is misleading.

Both the Twentieth Century Society and the Theatres Trust considered the building to be of significant merit to support the listing proposal and applying for National Heritage Status. It is considered a rare survivor of a repertory theatre from the interwar period. The Theatre is included on the Theatres Trust Theatre’s At Risk Register because of its cultural significance.

As well as the professional shows the Intimate Theatre has provided many local people with the chance to perform over the years. This opportunity will be lost if the Theatre is closed down.

The church says it has no bookings for 2019 but they have refused to take any bookings since the beginning of the year leaving groups without anywhere to perform. The options suggested such as the Millfield and Dugdale are too expensive and mean groups are forced to close leaving children and adults without the opportunity to perform in a real theatre with real history. Local charities will also miss out as these shows raise money for local causes.

The building has been described as not fit for purpose however it is currently being used for parish activities and with some improvements and renovations the building could serve both the parish, the community and still operate as a theatre. It can be made more energy efficient and more accessible easily. It should be celebrated for what it has brought to Enfield over the years and can still offer not demolished.

The proposals also list 6 new two bedroom flats in the development. Given the drawings show that parking facilities in the new development will be limited to 10 spaces, and using a ratio of one car per bedroom (one car per couple it is assumed) - we can see that the new development over develops the area. There are insufficient parking spaces for the flats planned. In current usage, the current site had a car park in the front as well as 2-3 car parking spaces at the rear that were used by the congregation during services. Where will they park now? This will pose a strain on community facilities, as bus routes pass by the frontage - with the inevitable traffic chaos come church services - these public services will experience considerable delays. On street parking in the area is already at breaking point in terms of capacity. These plans make this situation worse by an order of magnitude and the plans offer no solution to it.

A petition to save the theatre has gained approximately 4,500 signatures.