Church buildings, their contents and grounds are protected by the Faculty Jurisdiction, and under this legislation, a significant number of alterations, repairs, extensions or additions need to have consent prior to being carried out. Faculties are granted by the Chancellor of the Diocese. An illustration of the faculty process can be downloaded below, along with a copy of the faculty forms, advice on what information to submit and a guidance sheet on submitting a good faculty.
PLEASE NOTE – As of 1st January 2016 the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules have changed for the second time in 2 years, resulting in a further set of new forms, but more importantly a new list of works which can be carried out without the need for a faculty (List A), as well as a new list of uncontentious works which can be authorised by the Archdeacons without the need for a full faculty (List B). Full details of the new rules and the works which fall under the new lists can be found below. If there are any queries in relation to this, please contact us.
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 the Ecclesiastical Exemption does not affect the need for Planning Permission, and you may still need to submit an application to the Local Authority if changes are to be made to the outside of the building, if certain alterations or additions are to be made to the churchyard and for changes to its boundaries. Please check with your local authority directly. There is now an extended range of works which do not require a formal faculty application but please contact us for clarification, prior to carrying out the work, as some may still require written approval from the Archdeacon.
Public Notices: At the bottom of the page are displayed a list of any current public notices for significant works of alteration or extension to Grade I or Grade II* listed churches, or which involve the demolition of any exterior element of an unlisted church church within a conservation area. These notices are displayed for a period of 28 days.
Useful Links
Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015
The Ecclesiastical Exemption (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas)(England) Order 2010
The Operation of the Ecclesiastical Exemption and related planning matters
ChurchCare guidance on the new Faculty Rules 2015, including specialist guidance on bells, organs & trees – www.churchcare.co.uk/churches/faculty-rules-2015
Downloads
Please note, many of these templates are being updated in 2018
Faculty Rules 2015 – what it all means
Works that can be carried out without the need for a faculty (List A)
Works that can be carried out with written permission from the Archdeacon (List B)
Making changes to your church: Submitting a good faculty application – guidance sheet 4
What information is needed to support a faculty?