Faculty & List B Applications
The majority of church buildings, their contents and grounds are protected by Faculty Jurisdiction. Under this legislation, any repair, alteration, extension, disposal or addition needs to receive approval. This is granted by the Chancellor of the Diocese Sir Andrew McFarlane or his Deputy, Catherine Gibaud KC, or in some cases by the appropriate Archdeacon (via List B authorisation)
The downloads below offer advice and practical information on the process of obtaining a faculty. If you have any queries about your particular application, you are welcome to contact the office directly.
The Diocese of Exeter have signed up to the Church of England’s Online Faculty System, and all Faculty and List B applications should be submitted via the online portal https://facultyonline.churchofengland.org after reading the four guidance notes below. Please also see this link for Frequently Asked Questions about the online system.
Faculty applications
1. How do I apply for a faculty?
2. What information do I need to supply?
3. Who else might I need to consult?
4. Online Faculty System – tips
For information on deadline dates for faculty applications, and fees payable, please see this page.
For parishes who have obtained a faculty, and there is a requirement to photograph the interior before works commence, please see our Photographic Recording guidance.
Works that do not require a Faculty – Lists A & B
List A and B matters may be undertaken without a faculty. List A works can be carried out without any consultation, and List B works will need to be authorised by the Archdeacon, in consultation with the DAC. All List B works should be applied for using the Online Faculty System (see above). The lists can be viewed here.
Church Buildings Legislation
The following legislation currently applies to church buildings:
The Faculty Jurisdiction (Amendment) Rules 2019
Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018
Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015
Inspection of Churches Measure 1955
Operation of the Ecclesiastical Exemption 2010
The Church of England benefits from the Ecclesiastical Exemption and the majority of our church buildings are not subject to Listed Building Consent from the Local Planning Authority. However, it is important to remember that although Listed Building Consent may not be required, Planning Permission may be needed if changes are to be made to the exterior of the building or churchyard. There is no exemption from this, or from the need for Building Regulations for certain types of works. Contact your Local Authority for further information.
There are a very small number of listed churches which are not subject to Faculty Jurisdiction, and therefore need to apply for Listed Building Consent via their Local Planning Authority for works to their buildings. Please contact the office if you wish to know if your church falls in to this category.
