Developer misses deadline for church changes

Developer misses deadline for church changes

Cash Murphy - South East

Mon, January 12, 2026 at 6:01 AM UTC

2 min read

The exterior of Longcross Church, showing the new white PVC windows added to the red brick church building. — Planning permission was granted in February 2020 to convert the building into homes [Local Democracy Reporting Service]

A developer who replaced historic features of a Grade II listed church that is being converted into flats is yet to tell the local council how he plans to reverse some of those changes.

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.

In September, Runnymede Borough Council (RBC) gave developer Gary Humphreys four months to submit a listed building consent application for the work undertaken, or any proposed remedial works.

RBC said it had "not yet received" the expected application from Humphreys, who had met with the council "to discuss the heritage expectations for the building".

The main entrance to Longcross Church in Chertsey, showing the white stone archway and gabled roof, surrounded by the rest of the red brick building. — Developer Gary Humphreys has had four months to submit a listed building consent application for the church building [Local Democracy Reporting Service]

Humphreys said he was "currently working with the [RBC] planning department to get over this problem" and had already had "an online meeting and numerous phone calls".

Theresa Burton, founder of Friends of Christ Church Longcross, said: "I will keep going. This is a very important case.

"I think it's absolutely critical that local planning authorities uphold their duties in the heritage sector. They are the last, and only, body that can protect heritage within this country."

In April 2025, a judicial review was granted amid concerns over the church's redevelopment raised by Burton, who was later paid £17,500 by RBC as part of those proceedings.

The High Court also told the council to consider if there were breaches of listed building control at the former church.

RBC advised Humphreys in September that his application should contain details to change the materials used from UPVC to a "more appropriate heritage material, preferably timber".

A spokesperson for RBC said: "It is understood that the [developer's] submission is still being worked on and is expected to be submitted to the council shortly.

"If it is not received the item will return to the planning committee for further enforcement consideration in line with the committee's previous resolution."

The previous resolution stated that, should an application "not be forthcoming", then the council might look to issue a Listed Building Enforcement Notice legally requiring that works be carried out.

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Developer misses deadline for church changes

Developer misses deadline for church changes

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