Relief easily achieved online – obtaining a faculty
Just over twelve months ago the PCC at All Saints, Beeston Regis agreed that, if it was possible, we should proceed with the installation of a disabled friendly toilet inside the church and a local firm of architects drew up some sketch plans.
We all knew that for this to go ahead we would have to apply to the Diocese for a faculty but before starting the formal application process we approached Matthew McDade at the DAC for his advice. From the outset Matthew could not have been more helpful and he and members of the committee were only too willing to meet with us at the church to discuss our proposals and advise us what was likely to be acceptable.
Their written report and photographs were invaluable when we then started to apply for the faculty and here, once again, Caroline Rawlings was only too happy to talk us through the online application.
To some the online application might seem daunting but everything was very self explanatory. We worked on the basis that the more information we could provide the better, so architects plans, PCC minutes, building regulations approval and a Statement of Significance were all submitted online.
The Chancellor makes the final decision and here once again Joanna Pelan, the Diocesan Registry Clerk was incredibly helpful. Various bodies had to be advised but she did this work for us. Our faculty was finally granted on 12 September, just over six months after the initial visit from the DAC.
Do:-
- Speak to the DAC at the outset and ask them to carry out a site visit
- Speak to Eliza Greenwell who will guide you through the online application
- Download and send as much paper work as possible. Everything the Chancellor asks.
Don’t:-
- Be afraid of computers.
- Be put off by the application process.
The author...
Martin Braybrook
PCC Treasurer, Beeston Regis (Parish)
Duart Lodge
2 Furze Hill
Cromer
NR27 0HU
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