Faculty Procedure - Special Cases

Special Cases

19. If in the judgement of the Chancellor the works:
    1. involve alteration to or extension of a church which is a listed building to such an extent as is likely to affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest, or
    2. affect the archaeological importance of the church or archaeological remains existing within the church or its curtilage,

       the Chancellor is obliged to ensure that English Heritage, the local planning authority and any national amenity society (see below) considered to have an interest is made aware of the proposed works. Normally, these bodies will have already been contacted by the Petitioners, as recommended by the DAC Certificate. Unless there is correspondence in such a case showing that these bodies have been previously notified to the proposed works, the Chancellor may order the Registrar to serve notification of the lodging of the Petition upon those bodies. The Registrar is always ready to advise Petitioners whether this special provision is likely to apply.

       Note: Early consultation with bodies such as English Heritage can help speed up the process. It is also important to ensure that members of the congregation are properly consulted in any case which is likely to be controversial, e.g. a major reordering scheme. The Archdeacon will be happy to advise on this.

20. These notes are intended primarily for parishes. However, private individuals and corporate bodies are entitled to petition the Consistory Court. In such cases the Diocesan Registrar should always be consulted in advance.