Thank you for signing the petition to object to the vandalistic treatment of these Grade II listed Stained Glass windows. Since we started the campaign regarding the historic loss of these stained glass windows over 650 of you have signed in the last 3 months!

It is critical is to reflect this momentum in the objections which are sent directly to Runnymede Borough Council. All objections, up to and including when the application goes to planning committee, will be reported. The date of the planning committee is not yet set and could be weeks or months ahead.

So please if you haven't already done so, write directly to Runnymede Borough Council with your objection to add your voice to those who have already done so. 

Please email your objection to: 

planning@runnymede.gov.uk

reference:

RU.23/1639 Christ Church Longcross

You will need to include the reasons for your objection and your full name and postal address however your name and address will be redacted online. Thank you!

Analysis of Treatment of Stained Glass at Christ Church Longcross

Comparing photos before and after construction at Grade II listed Christ Church Longcross show that less than 48% of the original stained glass remains. 

Loss of Stained Glass

In total before conversion, 17 of the 25 original windows were stained glass, of which 13 were full length in presentation, 3 were partial stained glass and there was 1 round stained glass window. Now, less than 48% of the original stained glass remains.

None of the original stained glass is presented in its original state - even the most complete 3 windows at the back of the church (North wall) have lost the upper arch and thick uPVC frames necessitated the cropping of the original glass.

Loss of continuity and coherence with introduction of floor plates

In the approved planning application RU.19/0694 & RU.19/0695 the Planning Officer's report noted that:

"The horizontal separation of the building leads to a new floor structure passing across the long side windows, which is handled by introducing extra glazing bars at this point."

Note the description of the floor "passing across" not cutting through and the introduction of thin glazing bars not wholesale removal of a chunk of the window opening.

So the applicant agreed in the original planning application how the windows would be treated and yet regardless, went and undertook extensive works to these Grade II listed windows without permission and is now applying for retrospective permission.

Unnecessary trimming of the stained glass/use of uPVC frames

The use of thick uPVC frames also contributes significantly to the negative impact on the heritage of the building and the presentation of the stained glass which remain.

The width of the window opening is narrowed and reduced and the stained glass has been cropped to fit both the reduced window opening from the use of uPVC and the introduction of the floor plates.

Guidance from Historic England is very clear that the use of uPVC is not a suitable material for listed buildings and is inappropriate. The use of secondary glazing or thin metal frames, as originally proposed, would have caused significantly less damage to the historic value of the church while achieving equivalent or better u-values.

Further, the use of white uPVC frames contributes to a significant change in the presentation of the plasterwork around the windows, especially combined with the loss of window opening to the thick floor plates, resulting in a much heavier and overbearing effect than the original frameless presentation.

Unsightly modern uPVC window ledges do not reflect the historical character of the windows. 

Application for a large vent within Stained Glass on street facing South side

The retrospective application also requests permission to install a large vent directly within the front facing central Stained Glass window which is clearly visible from the street and the graveyard which is open to the public. This results in a very unsightly interruption and further cropping of the presentation of what little Stained Glass remains. 

Despite the original planning application indicating that ventilation would not impact the historic character of the building, the developer is now requesting retrospective permission to install a large ugly vent directly at the very front and center of the building ruining the presentation and coherence of the largest and most central stained glass window that faces the street. 

Alteration of the position of the stained glass designs

Some stained glass elements have not been kept in their original location. This significantly impacts on the original intent of the designer, ruining not only the aesthetic but also the craftsmanship in their design. 

For example, glass from the top of the original three-light window on the West elevation has been moved to the bottom of a window on a side elevation. The image is an angel holding a crown. Originally this was symbolically above the image of Christ in the central light of the West window, but it has now been detached from this design and has lost its original meaning within the scheme.

Please add your voice!

Please consider to write directly to Runnymede Borough Council to object against this retrospective planning application. 

From a recent objector:

"The church was a grade II listed building, one of only two in the area. The beautiful windows, now cut up and ruined have ghastly thick white PVC frames: atrocious. This should not have been done. It is not acceptable. It should not be granted permission. The windows should be restored to their former glory."

Thank you very much for your support.

fochristchurchlongcross@gmail.com