The Victorian Society comment on the “totally inappropriate works”
An article on the judicial review case was recently published by “Planning Resource” on May 16, 2025 which included a comment from The Victorian Society:
The Victorian Society’s senior conservation adviser Connor McNeill said the approvals “displayed a concerning lack of engagement with the detail of proposals impacting a listed building, resulting in totally inappropriate works”.
He added: “We hope the focus on this case will ensure greater attention is paid to the detail of listed building consent applications by planning departments in the future.”
Runnymede Council’s Heritage Advisor, Place Services, state “works go far beyond the approved scope”
Place Services, Runnymede Council’s Built Heritage Advisor, provided advice on March 25, 2024 (that was not published and made publicly available until November 20, 2024, some 8 months later) which outlined the harms and stated the significance of the former church’s built heritage and its special interest:
“The works to the windows undertaken to date, go far beyond this approved scope.
The loss of traditional windows from historic buildings poses one of the major threats to our heritage. Traditional windows and their glazing, particularly to historic churches, make an important contribution to their significance.
The pre-existing windows comprised steel frames containing leaded light windows and stained glass including original grisaille glass. They were of special architectural, artistic, and historic interest and made a considerable contribution to the significance of the heritage asset. They were an integral part of the design of the Church and were important artefacts in their own right; crafted with great skill and ingenuity with materials of a high quality.”
Regarding the use of uPVC, Place Services comment:
“There are concerns regarding the materiality which comprises non-traditional materials such as uPVC. Again, this has not been consented and the windows should be of timber and/ or metal as stated within the Planning Application Form.
The use of inappropriate and unsympathetic non-traditional materials results in an adverse visual impact on the designated heritage asset and lack authenticity.
The design, detailing, and operation of the uPVC windows mean that they look notably different to traditional windows. Manufacturers have been unable to replicate the sections and glazing bars used in most steel -framed leaded light windows, due to the limited strength of the material and the additional weight. In this instance, the visual and operational differences are considerable.”
Runnymede Cllr Andrea Berardi joins the campaign:
We are also very pleased to announce that Runnymede Cllr Andrea Berardi has joined our fight to protect Runnymede’s local heritage, he comments:
“This Grade II listed building, a valued piece of Runnymede’s built heritage, has been subjected to damaging and unlawful alterations, including the removal of more than half its original stained glass and the installation of uPVC window frames — in direct contradiction to Historic England guidance and the council’s own heritage advice.
This is more than a local dispute. It’s a test case with implications for heritage protection policy across the country. I commend Theresa Burton and her supporters for their resilience in pursuing justice for our community and our shared heritage.”
Theresa Burton
Founder Friends of Christ Church Longcross
fochristchurchlongcross@gmail.com