Call for viability assessments for all Listed Building Planning Applications:
The Developer is in line for an estimated gross profit of close to £1,500,000 if sales are completed as per the current listings, of which 3 of the 5 flats are “sold subject to contract” (STC).
While the final amount may be somewhat less once sales complete, listings on Rightmove for the five flats show the following list prices:
£320,000: 1 Bedroom Flat, unfinished
for a total of £1,750,000. Land registry documents confirm the purchase price of £250,000 for the former church building, leaving a gross profit of £1,500,000 (with the caveat that final sale income could be somewhat lower).
At no point did Runnymede Borough Council require a “Viability Assessment” when assessing the various planning applications for this Grade II Listed Building.
We are calling on Runnymede Borough Council to require “Viability Assessments” when assessing heritage applications for all listed buildings as developers should not be able to claim that meeting accepted heritage protections is non-viable without providing robust evidence.
Former Choir Boy who sang at the church writes to the Chair of the Planning Committee to express his serious concerns
He writes to Cllr Sylvia Whyte, Chair of the Planning Committee, who is also the local ward councillor where the building is located:
“Dear Councillor Whyte
Having been connected to Christ Church ,Longcross, many years ago, and still paying visits to remember old friends who are buried in the church yard, I have great concerns as to how the contracted builder has been neglectful in carrying out the work layed down in the granted application for change of use of the church.
Not least of my concerns is the Installation of the most hideous WHITE UPVC WINDOWS!! which I know are not approved in listed buildings conversions
Also, what has happened to the original beautiful stained glass windows?
My question is, who is overseeing the obligation of the builder in respect of his commitment? as quite clearly he is not keeping to the statutory requirements of the approval.
How sad, that we have to look at the outside of this once beautiful church which is so not in keeping with the life that this fine church once had.
Please, do not ignore the problems the builder has caused in the conversion of this fine example of a village church, much loved by families with history attached to it, as well as this once thirteen year old choir boy who is saddened by its decline.”
Theresa Burton, Founder Friends of Christ Church Longcross
fochristchurchlongcross@gmail.com