The stone church building is on an island site at the head of The Avenue – a broad, straight road, lined with mature plane trees, which leads up the hill to the church in a grand, processional style. This avenue and its continuation of North Avenue form the spine of the St Stephen's Conservation Area. The housing of this area is subject to planning controls to preserve its Edwardian appearance and character. The assessment commissioned by the borough council explains the importance of the church for this scene:
