Temporary minor reordering

Where a parish want to trial arrangements before making a Faculty application, they can apply for a Temporary Minor Reordering (TMRO) licence (formerly known as an Archdeacon’s Permission for Temporary Reordering – APTR). These licences are granted by your Archdeacon, in consultation with the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC).

A TMRO generally has a maximum duration of 24 months – and cannot be extended. On expiry, the interior must returned to its original arrangement, or there should be a Faculty in place for the changes. Given the time taken for a Faculty application for reordering to be processed, it is advisable to start this 6-12 months before the end of your TMRO.

Licences are particularly helpful where a parish want to try out removal or relocation of a modest number of pews. Being able to see the pros and cons of an arrangement, and gather community feedback, can help provide evidence of need for a Faculty application. If removing pews to trial alternative types of seating, it is worth borrowing replacement chairs rather than purchasing them. This is because the introduction of new chairs requires Faculty permission.

The following rules apply to a TMRO:

• There should be no material interference with, or alteration to, the fabric of the church, or the carrying out of electrical works.
• If you are moving pews that are on a platform, then the platform must stay in position during the trial period.
• No fixture or other article should be disposed of.
• If the scheme involves moving any item, it should be moved by suitably competent or qualified persons; it should be stored safely in a place approved by the Archdeacon; and it should be easy to reinstate.

Applying for a TMRO

Applications for a TMRO should be made using the Online Faculty System. Support on using the Online Faculty System is available through the Church Buildings Office.

The following information should be provided to assist the Archdeacon in making a decision:

• A floor plan of the church, with the area for trial arrangements clearly marked.
• Some photos showing the current layout and design of any affected pews or other items.
• A brief description of your plans for the area during the licence period.
• Proposed arrangements for storing items to be temporarily removed from the building.

The conditions for granting a licence are set out in the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules. A licence cannot be granted if the parish has no minister. If in doubt about whether a licence would be appropriate, advice should be sought from the Registry.

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