Faculties

Faculties of the Church's equivalent of planning permission.  The Church of England is exempted from parts of the normal permission process with regard to Listed Building Consent because the faculty process takes their place.  In some situations, planning permission from the Local Authority may also be required.  Faculties also give formal permission for the purchase and disposal of items: this formal permission is necessary to ensure that any new items are in keeping, and protects any items which are of particular value or significance from being disposed of on a whim.

Faculties and the methods of applying for them and granting them are governed by the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules under the Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1991 and its successor legislation.  Information on caring for your church building can also be found on the Churchcare website.

Certain works, purchases and disposals do not require a faculty.  These are called De Minimis items, and guidance on whether any proposed work falls within this list can be sought either from the Archdeacons or via the DAC Secretary.

To apply for a faculty, you need first to ask for the formal advice of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC).  In practice, it's better to discuss the proposed changes within the Parochial Church Council and with the Archdeacon, before contacting the DAC formally; and it is possible to ask the DAC for informal advice before starting the formal process - please contact Sylvia Johnson on (01535) 650523 for any help.

The faculty application form is available here, which can be completed and returned by e-mail.

Guidance to help you complete the form will be available here shortly.