Dear Supporters,

Recently we announced that a major milestone in our campaign was achieved with Runnymede Borough Council agreeing a settlement to reconsider enforcement action.

It was agreed that:

• the council will treat its "Enforcement Report" as withdrawn and for enforcement action in respect of alleged alteration of fenestration, the alteration of the roof to include a rooflight and the use of non-traditional materials in the dormers and window frames to be reconsidered and,
• the council’s Planning Committee will make a decision whether to take enforcement action, such decision to be informed and advised by a report by an independent heritage consultant.

For the first time in this long running campaign we are launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for this hopefully final leg - to pay for an opinion prepared by a KC Barrister (Alex Goodman, Landmark Chambers, who was our counsel for the Judicial Review), and for him to review the final Enforcement Report, to ensure the Planning Committee are fully informed of the legal framework which protects listed buildings as well as what considerations can be given weight in enforcement decisions.

Please kindly consider to donate to the campaign - any amount is very gratefully received and funds go direct to the legal firm assisting the case:

https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/heritage-judicial-review-longcross-church/

There is a modest target of £3,000 with a stretch target of £5,000. This is the very first time to ask for any donations since the campaign to protect the heritage of the former church building was started many years ago so we really do appreciate any support you can give. 

As we reported back in May, The Victorian Society commented on the "totally inappropriate works". 

And the council’s own Heritage Advisor previously stated:

• “works go far beyond the approved scope” and
• “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.”

This is a strong case for the Planning Committee to consider and it is now crucial to ensure that Planning Committee members are fully informed.

Thank you so much in advance and do kindly share the crowdfunding page with those you think might be interested to help this case. 🙏🏽

Theresa Burton

Founder Friends of Christ Church Longcross

fochristchurchlongcross@gmail.com