Faculty permission

The Church of England benefits from the Ecclesiastical Exemption, which means that most church buildings are not subject to the secular system of approval for works to historic buildings (Listed Building Consent). Instead, the majority of church buildings, their contents and churchyards are protected by Faculty Jurisdiction. This allows decisions about the care and conservation of our buildings to be balanced with mission, worship and community use. Under this legislation, any repair, alteration, extension, disposal or addition needs approval from the Chancellor of the Diocese. In some cases, permission is given by the appropriate Archdeacon (these are known as List B matters).

All applications are made through the Online Faculty System. Support on using this is available from the Church Buildings Office. You, or your church architect, will need to provide relevant documents in support of your application.

Process

Supporting documents

The documents required will vary depending on the nature of the repair. However, it is essential to ensure that there is enough information for someone who is unfamiliar with your church to understand the ‘what, where, why?’ and impact of your proposal.

As a minimum, your application should include your chosen quote/specification for the work; evidence of PCC approval (e.g. meeting minutes); details of any equipment being installed; photographs showing the area as existing; and Statements of Significance and Need. Additional documents will be needed for some applications, particularly those involving heating and/or electrical work.

A guide to the supporting documents required for applications

Involving your professional adviser

The majority of Faculty applications, particularly those comprising reordering, will need involvement from your church architect or surveyor.

Faculty fees

Faculty fees are paid to the Diocesan Registry. The current fees, as of 1 January 2025, are:

	Faculty application £295
	Standard Faculty Amendment/time extension request £63

For complex Faculty Amendments, please contact the Diocesan Registry for fees (see below).

The Diocesan Registry are based at Birketts LLP, and deal with all the legal aspects of the Faculty process, including issuing the permission itself. To contact them call 0117 233 1700 or email the Registry Clerk.

Planning permission

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 Planning Authority for further information.

Net zero

The Church of England’s General Synod has set an ambitious target to achieve net zero by 2030. For all proposals involving heating and lighting, parishes are required to have ‘due regard’ to the Church Building Council’s advice on net zero.

No one church could, or should, do everything. Every church is unique and the right actions for your church will need careful consideration. The first principle is to keep on top of maintenance. All churches should complete the Energy Footprint Tool (part of the Online Parish Returns System) and use the Practical Path to Net Zero Carbon document, which contains recommendations to help churches reduce their energy use and associated carbon emissions.

The Diocesan Creation Care Team are available for support and advice on working towards net zero.

Coming soon: A guide to permissions needed for various Eco Church actions.

Advertisement of Faculty applications

Under Rule 9.9 of The Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015, as amended in 2019, notice of works affecting the character of a listed building must be published on a publicly accessible website.

Details of applications falling into this category within Exeter Diocese may be viewed through the Online Faculty System.

Objections to the works should be sent by letter by the date given on the Public Notice to: The Diocesan Registrar, Birketts LLP, EQ, 111 Victoria Street, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6AX.

Back to ‘Making changes‘.