Getting a Faculty
Church buildings, their contents and grounds are protected by Faculty Jurisdiction. Under this legislation, any alteration, repair, extension or addition needs to receive approval. This is granted by the Chancellor of the Diocese.
The Church of England benefits from Ecclesiastical Exemption and is not subject to Listed Building Consent or Conservation Area Consent from the Local Planning Authority. However, it is important to remember that although Listed Building Consent is not required, Planning Permission may be needed if changes are to be made to the outside of the building or churchyard. Building Regs may also be needed eg for alterations to drainage or a boiler.
It is not the DAC, but the Chancellor, in consultation with the Diocesan Registry (and after DAC advice) who makes the final ruling on whether the Faculty is granted.
When considering the timing of your application click here for dates of DAC meetings and the cost of a Faculty.
From 1 December 2020, Faculty applications should be submitted through the Online Faculty System. This system combines all aspects of the Faculty process into one place- from application through to consultation with amenity bodies to the Chancellor’s determination. The system allows covers List A, List B and Temporary Minor Re-ordering applications.
When applying for a Faculty remember that some of the people considering your application will not be as familiar with your church, or the work you propose, as you are. You need to explain in as much detail as possible what you want to do, why you want to do it, what impact it will have on historically important fabric, etc.
The online faculty system explains clearly the sort of information you will need to provide and only requires you to complete forms relevant to your church. For example, if your church is a Listed building, further information may be required than for an unlisted one. Typically, you will be asked to complete the Form 1A (Standard Information Form), Form 3A (Petition Details), a Statement of Need and Statement of Significance. You may also need to provide supporting documents, such as photographs or plans.
The purposes of these documents are:
- To help you assess in your own words the things which comprise the special significance of your Church, be they architectural features, archaeological remains, fine furnishings, a beautiful rural setting or a famous organ and choir, and to contrast and compare this with the perceived needs which are to be fulfilled through the proposal.
- To enable those charged with considering the application, including the DAC, Chancellor, and where appropriate the secular authorities and interest groups, to reach their decisions quickly and fairly, equipped with the basic facts, secure in the knowledge that the parish has a clear idea of its chosen direction and the consequences of this.
Links and Resources
- OFS User Manuals
- DAC Guidance on Information Required for Faculty Applications Rev C
- Specific Statement of Significance and Impact Assessment
- Statement of Need
- General Statement of Significance
- Click here for the ChurchCare guidance on Statements of Significance
- Click here for the ChurchCare guidance on Statements of Need
- Click here for the Historic England guidance on Statements of Significance and Need