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Church Flats Conversion Sparks Heritage Row
12 Jan
Summary
- Developer replaced historic features of a listed church.
- Stained glass and UPVC were reportedly installed.
- Council awaits consent application for remedial works.
A controversial conversion of a Grade II listed church into residential flats is facing scrutiny over the alteration of its historic fabric. The developer has replaced ancient stained glass windows and installed UPVC fittings, prompting concerns from the Friends of Christ Church Longcross. These actions have led to demands for restoration to preserve the building's heritage.
Runnymede Borough Council has set a deadline for the developer, Gary Humphreys, to rectify the situation. He was given a four-month period to submit a listed building consent application detailing the work undertaken or proposing remedial actions. This application was expected by February 2026, given the current date of January 12, 2026.
As of January 12, 2026, the council has stated that it has not yet received the required application. The developer had previously met with the council to discuss the heritage expectations for the building, but the lack of formal submission indicates an ongoing disagreement over the appropriate course of action to protect the historic church's integrity.
