Low Hall Sports Ground, Leyton

What is proposed?

The proposal has come from Secret Group Ltd a private company with a track record in delivering immersive film-linked cultural events.
Integral parts of the events include:

• Workshops and performance for students from local schools and colleges
• Employment opportunities for local people
• 1,500 free tickets for local residents to attend an event

What about the sports clubs that use this ground?

Arrangements have been made to ensure the continued use of the site for both football and cricket. We will work with the hirers to ensure continuity of service.

What happens when?

• 29 October 2020: Virtual engagement event for residents
• November 2020: Planning application submitted
• November 2020: Planning application validated, and statutory consultation takes place
• November 2020: Referral to Mayor of London
• 7 December 2020: Virtual engagement event organised by the applicant 
• 14 December 2020: Deadline for submitting comments on the licence application
• 8 February: Virtual engagement event organised by the applicant
• 14 February 2021: Deadline for submitting comments on the planning application
• End February 2021: Projected date for Planning Committee report
• April 2021: Proposed date for engagement event with residents
• Mid-June 2021: If planning permission is given, set up begins on site
• Mid-September 2021: If planning permission is given, events end, and site cleared

Licensing application

On Wednesday 13 January 2021, an application for a grant of a premises licence for a temporary Secret Cinema event at Low Hall sports ground was approved.

The licensing application is for:

Provision of films, plays, live music, performances of dance, recorded music, anything of a similar description during the hours of:

• Tuesday to Saturday: 5pm to 10.30pm
• Sunday: 2.30pm to 10.30pm

Sale of alcohol (on-sales) during the hours of:

• Tuesday to Saturday: 5pm to 10pm
• Sunday: 2.30pm to 10pm

The licence is granted to run from Monday 5 July 2021 to Sunday 12 September 2021 inclusive.

• View the application online (PDF)

The application was also put on notices around the site and published in a local newspaper.

Temporary planning application

Licensing applications are governed by different legislation than planning applications.

A separate planning application for the temporary use of the Low Hall Sports Ground (reference number 203496) has been submitted to the Council.

Waltham Forest Council offer an extended amount of time for residents to comment on significant planning applications, so comments on this scheme can be made until 14 February 2021.

• See details of the planning application

If you wish to comment, you can do so by emailing dmconsultations@walthamforest.gov.uk or in writing to the Planning Team, address below.

The application and all feedback received will be considered by the Planning Committee on 2 March 2021.