Faculty Process 1. Faculties are required for all repairs, alterations or additions to the church, its contents and churchyard unless the proposal is specified in the of minor works. If your proposal is listed under A or B, please refer to the relevant documents and procedures on the diocesan website. Parishes are strongly encouraged to consult with their Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) at the earliest opportunity and before they have finalised any ideas or plans. The DAC exists to help parishes through this process whilst remaining totally objective in its assessment of proposals. It will help you assess the merits of your scheme, its strengths and weaknesses, and help you prepare your application for wider consultation and submission for faculty. It is advisable to contact the DAC at the earliest opportunity so that members can offer their advice and help you to develop a feasible, achievable and sustainable project. The DAC has a legal duty to ensure all applications: Secure the long term interest of parishioners past, present and future. Prevent changes that are unnecessary or irreversible. Retain the exemption of ecclesiastical buildings from secular listed building control. Comply with current legislation relative to the nature of the proposals Obtaining a faculty is a two-part process. Following preliminary meetings and discussions with your PCC, congregation, DAC and possible Local Planning Authority and Amenity Bodies such as Historic England, the first stage is to apply for a Notification of Advice from the DAC. The DAC will carefully consider your proposals and has to inform the Chancellor of its decision so that their views may be taken into consideration when the faculty is being granted. The DAC may approve the proposals, suggest amendments, stipulate provisos or not recommend the project. Whatever the Notification states, you are still able to proceed to petition the Chancellor for a faculty but the views of the DAC will be considered. The second part requires the Notification of Advice and associated paperwork (see below) to be sent to the Registry so that the Chancellor can determine if a faculty can be issued. Work can only commence when you are in receipt of the relevant faculty.
Public Notice completed to show where the plans etc. could be viewed, the start and end date of the 28 day display period, and where the Notice has been displayed. It is then signed and dated after the end date (see Appendix 1). Any other documents giving particulars of the works or other proposals For Building Repairs – the architect’s specification and drawings, overall cost, name and address of contractors if appointed. AV/Sound systems – evidence of consultation with the DAC AV adviser, plans and drawings showing the design and positioning of equipment and wiring runs Heating and/or Electrical works – the architect’s or contractor’s specification, drawing and/or annotated photographs which show the effect of the work. Evidence of consultation with the DAC heating adviser Organs, Clocks and Bells –history and specification(s), of any replacements, repairs or additions. A report from the DAC organ, clock or bells adviser. The addition of new bells will require a structural engineer’s report on the frame and tower. Memorials –unless permitted under the Chancellor’s Churchyard Rules, a scale drawing, precise wording and a sample of lettering and materials. If the proposal is for an internal memorial the application will need to include a statement of need that sets out the exceptionality of the person to be commemorated. Churchyard alterations – a list and plan of the gravestones affected. Confirmation of whether the churchyard is open or closed in a conservation area and/or contains listed trees or monuments. Noticeboards – a mock-up of proposed new board indicating the size, materials, colour, font, wording, layout, logos, and a photograph of the proposed location. Disposal of articles by sale – good quality photographs of the item(s), details of their provenance and a professional valuation. Heritage Lottery Fund grant aided work - a copy of the Letter of Appointment, English Heritage detailed advice and details of any opening up/investigative work.