Church alterations campaign takes 'step forward'

Residents who have been fighting to protect the historic features of a Grade II listed church that is being converted into flats have claimed a "step forward" in their battle.

The Friends of Christ Church Longcross in Chertsey, Surrey, have been pushing for restoration works after ancient stained glass was replaced and UPVC installed around windows.

Last Wednesday, the council's planning committee agreed to give the developer four months to submit a listed building consent application for the work undertaken or any proposed remedial works.

Developer Gary Humphreys said any decision relating to the UPVC was still being debated "to ensure the best outcome" for the stained glass windows.

The application comes after the High Court told Runnymede Borough Council in July to consider if there had been breaches of listed building control when permission was given to convert the site into flats in 2019.

Any failure to comply with changes to materials could lead to the council issuing a formal listed building enforcement notice, according to a report from the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The building ceased to be a church in 2004

Theresa Burton, founder of Friends of Christ Church Longcross, said the decision on the application had "been a significant step forward" in reversing what she claims were "harms" done to the building.

The church was closed as a place of worship in May 2004 by Guildford Diocese.

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