Certain works can be carried out without the need to apply for a full faculty. Some of them, such as basic maintenance, which do not impact on the historic fabric of the building, just need to be logged for future reference and don’t require any formal permission. These are called List A matters. (Before making a List A application it is important you check the criteria thoroughly).
Other works, including most repairs identified in your QI (quinquennial inspection) report can be done without a faculty, providing you obtain consent from the Archdeacon, via the Church Buildings Department, under List B. The works that fall under this category are generally basic repairs, such as replacing small areas of decaying fabric, and alterations to services in the building. You can find details of the works that fall under Lists A and B here.
If you can’t find what you want to do on those lists, you’ll probably need a full faculty, but contact the Care of Churches team if you need to check.
Making a List B application
List B applications can be submitted via the Online Faculty System.
What supporting information is needed?
- A request for a List B permission must still include the technical details of the proposed work – this should usually be professionally-produced documentation such as an architectural specification, specialist report, detailed annotated drawings, or detailed contractor’s quotation that includes a description of the scope of works, method statement, materials used etc.
- Photographs of the relevant area of the building (interior or exterior) should be provided - please assume that the DAC advisor(s) looking at your proposals may have no previous knowledge of your church building.
- A short Statement explaining what the ‘problem’ is (why the work needs to be carried out, even if it may appear to be self-evident) and why this ‘solution’ has been proposed. This is sometimes referred as a ‘Statement of Need’, but does not need to be a long document for a List B request.
-If the work was highlighted in your latest QI (Quinquennial Inspection) report, please mention this. (The DAC and Archdeacon’s office should both have a copy of the report on their files). Submitting
- A supporting statement from the church’s inspecting architect/surveyor will often be necessary – particularly relevant for repair works to the fabric of the building.
What happens next?
Once you have submitted, the Church Buildings team will check the information and let you know if any further information is required.
Applications are first sent to a member of the Church Buildings team, who will then review the information supplied and advise your Archdeacon.
The Archdeacon will consider the application and the advice received. If the Archdeacon is happy to authorise the works, they will issue an Archdeacon’s Notice of Approval through the Online Faculty System, which issues an email to the person who made the application.
Timeframes
Applications are usually processed within 1-2 weeks, once the necessary supporting information has been received.
It is good practice to apply for List permission at least a month before the works are planned to start, in case there are any unexpected delays.
Please note that List B applications must be made in advance and that Archdeacons are not able to give retrospective approval; if the works start without an Archdeacon’s Notice having been issued, the parish will need to apply for a confirmatory faculty.
Archdeacon’s Notices are generally valid for one year.
Help with applications
If you are making an application for the first time, and need any help, please contact either Kevin Tucker (KTucker@diocant.org) or Samuel Barrett (SBarrett@diocant.org).
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