Church Buildings and Churchyards

If urgent works are needed due to unexpected damage or safety risks (e.g. storm damage or fallen masonry), you must contact the DAC Secretary or the Diocesan Registry immediately.

They will advise on applying for an emergency faculty, which enables essential work to proceed without delay but with the proper authorisation in place. Wherever possible, provide photographs and a clear description of the issue when making contact.

No work should begin without either an emergency faculty or an interim licence issued by the Chancellor.

In most cases, yes—you will need a faculty to make changes to your church building or churchyard. A faculty is the Church of England’s official permission for alterations, repairs, or additions to consecrated land and buildings. This applies to a wide range of works, from installing solar panels or new lighting to significant structural changes or even some types of repairs.

Some minor works may fall under List A or List B permissions:

• List A: Works that do not require a faculty and can be carried out without formal approval.

• List B: Works that still don’t require a faculty but do need written permission from your Archdeacon.

For anything more substantial—or if you're unsure—it’s best to:

• Consult the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) early in the process.

• Check the Lists A and B guidance to see where your project might fall.

• When in doubt, ask—starting with your Archdeacon or the DAC Secretary is always a good step.

Getting the right permissions helps protect your building and ensures your project runs smoothly.

Ecclesiastical exemption is a legal provision that allows certain church buildings—mainly those used for worship by recognised denominations like the Church of England—to be exempt from having to apply for secular listed building consent from the local planning authority for changes to the building.

Churches follow the Church of England’s faculty jurisdiction system, which is a parallel but rigorous process of permission and oversight. This system ensures that alterations to churches are carefully considered, particularly where heritage or historic significance is involved.

The exemption only applies to ecclesiastical buildings in use for worship and only covers works that would otherwise need listed building consent—not things like planning permission, which may still be required separately.

In short:

• You don’t need listed building consent from the local council.

• You do need a faculty if your proposed works affect the church’s character or fabric.

• Planning permission may still be needed, especially for external changes.

The ecclesiastical exemption exists to respect the particular needs and expertise of faith communities while still safeguarding historic church buildings.

Not always—but it depends on the type of work.

For major works (like structural changes, extensions, or significant repairs), you will usually need to involve a qualified architect or surveyor. They can help develop the plans, advise on heritage considerations, and support your faculty application.

For minor works (like replacing a noticeboard or installing a handrail), an architect is not usually required.

If you’re unsure, check with your Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) early in the process.

No, the diocese does not maintain a list of approved architects and cannot formally recommend individuals. However, the Church Buildings and Churchyards team or DAC advisers may be aware of professionals currently working on church projects in the area. It's the responsibility of each parish to appoint a suitably qualified professional, ideally with experience in historic or ecclesiastical buildings.

For further guidance on selecting and working with an architect, you can refer to the Church Buildings Council's resources.

Some church buildings are suitable for solar panels, and many churches across the country have successfully installed them as part of their commitment to environmental stewardship. However, because churches are often listed buildings or located in conservation areas, any installation must go through the proper permissions process.

You will need to apply for faculty approval, which is the Church of England’s permission system for changes to church buildings and land. This helps ensure that any additions—like solar panels—are appropriate for the building’s character and setting.

Before starting, it's important to:

• You will need to contact your local authority about planning permissions. 
• Contact your Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) for early advice.
• Assess the suitability of your roof and explore technical and visual considerations.
• Prepare a strong environmental and practical case to support your application.

Each church is unique, so engaging with the DAC early can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.