Dear all, 

"Look at the state of this though - it's like cutting out a Rembrandt with kitchen scissors and Pritt Sticking it into a photo album"

https://x.com/welshbuildings/status/1707369019370611019?s=20

We have previously shared the appalling treatment of these historic Grade II Listed Stained Glass windows which have been brutally cut in half with a large floor span and which have suffered a significant loss of the original stained glass window elements due to the floor span and cropping to fit thick white uPVC* frames. 

The developer has now applied for RETROSPECTIVE planning permission to Runnymede Council. 

The original plans approved in 2019 clearly illustrated the windows as being retained in whole and within thin framing bars. (RU.19/0694 & RU.19/0695)

We are calling on you to OBJECT to this retrospective planning application and help protect and restore this Grade II Listed former church building - one of only two listed buildings in the Longcross area. 

To object to this planning application please email:

planning@runnymede.gov.uk

reference: RU.23/1639 Christ Church Longcross

Please email before April 8th 2024

You will need to include your full name and postal address but this will be redacted online. 

We have also asked The Victorian Society to comment on this application.

*Historic England have clear guidance why uPVC is unsuitable for Grade II listed buildings and the majority of planning appeals to use uPVC on listed buildings are dismissed. 

There is a lovely vignette of the interior of the church before development when a scene from Call the Midwife was filmed there:

https://twitter.com/CallTheMidwife1/status/1083815810924269568?s=20

As well, a local photographer captured these photos before the development, which illustrates the church in great detail: 

http://www.photoeyes.biz/church/longcross.htm

Thank you for your support!

fochristchurchlongcross@gmail.com