Local residents are celebrating after plans to convert an old bingo into a new church refused. Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) have applied for planning permission to change the former Gala Bingo club in Upper Norwood to a Church.

The Picture Palace Campaign has galvanised the community in Crystal Palace into sending thousands of objection letters to Bromley Council against the planning application.

The local media reported several coach loads of campaigners arrived at the Bromley Civic Centre last night (December 17) to watch a planning committee vote on whether to let the KICC turn the building into a place of worship.

Committee chairman Councillor Gordon Jenkins used his casting vote to refuse the application.

Speaking at the meeting, committee councillor John Getgood said: “There is nothing wrong with another church coming into the area.

“The problem with this one is that it is being imposed on the community.

“This is a wandering tribe looking for a home.

"Crystal Palace is the wrong place for it.”

Campaigners want a cinema installed in the bingo hall instead. As the KICC group purchased the property, and are unable to fulfill their plans it is unclear as to what the future holds for the property. The Christian group will have the right to appeal the decision.