Faculties, List A and List B

A Faculty is required before carrying out significant work to church buildings or churchyards. The nature of the proposals determines whether faculty or List B (Archdeacon’s) permission needs to be sought, or whether the work falls under List A and does not need any permission (provided any specified conditions are adhered to).

In this section:

Faculty application process

A faculty is often required for any work affecting consecrated land or buildings.

Apply online for a Faculty, List B permission or a TMRO

Faculties should be applied for online using the Online Faculty System, where electronic copies of supporting documents such as plans, drawings, consultations and the PCC Resolution can also be uploaded.

Minor Works (List A) & Archdeacons’ Licences

For minor works, a faculty is not required.

Statements of Significance and Need

In essence, these Statements are required wherever proposed works will involve changes to a listed building.

Faculty fees

The fees payable in respect of faculty matters are set out in The Ecclesiastical Judges, Legal Officers and Others (Fees) Order which is updated on 1 January every year.

Completion of works

The works permitted by Faculty must be completed within the time specified by the Chancellor on the faculty certificate.

Current faculty applications where Committee rule 9.9 of the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules applies

Emergency work

If emergency work is necessary, it may be possible to apply for an Interim Faculty.

Listed buildings and treasures

Where works involving alteration to a listed building are likely to affect its character, significant contents or archaeological importance, the DAC will expect consultation to take place with the relevant National Amenity Societies.

National Amenity Societies

In addition to English Heritage, there are a number of other bodies with expertise and interest in church buildings and their heritage.

Planning permission

The faculty jurisdiction enables the Church to deal with consents for repairs and alterations which would, in the case of secular listed buildings and land, require listed building consent.

Timetable

The faculty procedure, even for the most straightforward case, is likely to take up to three months.

VAT on alterations to listed buildings

The former zero rating of VAT on approved alterations to listed buildings was changed to standard rating, with VAT charged at 20%, on supplies made with effect from 1 October 2012.

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