On 1 April 2020 new faculty rules came into effect. This was a substantial change that introduced List A and B works. In 2022, further changes to the legislation were introduced which requires churches to have due regard to the Church Building Council's advice on net-zero carbon where applicable, with a view to acheiving the wider Church of England net zero carbon target by 2030.
List A & B
These were defined as; List A works that could be done without permissions; and List B works that require Archdeacon's permission in the form of an Archdeacon's Written Notice. The range of items in the list was increased in 2020 and a distinction made between listed and unlisted buildings where appropriate.
After consulting with DAC members and/or Advisors and the proposals are acceptable, your Archdeacon will then issue an Archdeacons Written Notice specifying the works that you may complete (the Archdeacon may set conditions on the way the works are carried out) upon receipt of the notice you can proceed. No work should be undertaken without this notice.
These lists should simplify and speed up some works in our church buildings.
Please remember your Archdeacon is always available for advice about matters concerning your church building, its upkeep and repair. You can find contact details for your Archdeacon on our Area Team webpages. This page includes a map to help you identify which Area your parish comes under.
Applying for permission
The full Faculty process starts with submission of an application to the DAC.
To submit an application to the DAC you need to register to the On-line Faculty System and upload your applications here.
Consultation
Consultation should take place where works involve demolition of a listed building of any grade or its alteration or extension to such an extent as would be likely to affect its character or significance as a building of special architectural or historic interest (this includes significant re-ordering of the interior and especially where fixtures, fittings and furnishings are to be permanently removed); or they involve demolition affecting the exterior of an unlisted building in a conservation area. Whether a national amenity society is likely to have an interest in works will depend on the age of the building (or the relevant part of it) and the likely effect on it of the proposed works. For example, the removal of Victorian pews from a medieval building is likely to be of greater interest to the Victorian Society than to SPAB.
Petitioners must consult the National Amenity Societies, Church Buildings Council, Historic England, and the relevant Local Authority. Their responses must be submitted with an application to the DAC. Criteria for consultation can be found in Part 4 of the new Faculty Jurisdiction Rules April 2020 'Consultation and advice before starting faculty proceedings'.
There are six National Amenity Societies: the Council for British Archaeology, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), the Georgian Group, the Victorian Society, the Twentieth Century Society and Historic Buildings & Places.
If in any doubt, contact the DAC Secretary, Suzannah Meade (01245 294423 and dac@chelmsford.anglican.org) who will be able to guide you.
DAC meeting dates
Deadline for applications, visit requests and other matters for consideration by the Committee must be submitted to the DAC Office by email no later than 12 days prior to the below meeting dates.
Any information received after this time will automatically be placed on the next available agenda.
2024 DAC meeting dates
- 22 July
- 4 September
- 1 October
- 5 November
- 10 December