Parkleys was built between 1954 and 1959, the first of the estates by SPAN Developments Limited. A union between the architects Eric Lyons and Geoffrey Townsend, SPAN pioneered modern design in suburban housing. In recognition of its architectural importance, Parkleys was Grade II listed in 1998 by English Heritage and designated a Conservation Area, by Richmond council, in 2003.

Lyons and Townsend are admired for challenging the accepted norm in suburban housing, and creating modern designs which were commercially viable as well as pioneering. The concept, the quality of the design and the attention to detail, in combination with its good preservation, make Parkleys a significant example of post-war modern architecture.