This glossary contains terms of reference pertaining to the care of church buildings. It can be navigated easily using the ‘Table of Content’, in the top right of this page.
These are SPAB, The Ancient Monuments Society, The Georgian Group, The Victorian Society, The Twentieth Century Society.
This is a report produced by an Archaeological Contractor which summarises the written knowledge of the archaeology of a site.
This allows the temporary moving of furniture which does not affect the fabric of the historic building for up to 15 months. This can help to inform a permanent re ordering the church.
The DAC Architects meet once every six weeks and look at plans submitted by churches. The architects’ comments are passed to the Sub Committee or Full Committee of the DAC. The Full Committee authorises the Form 1 Certificates.
See Form 1 Certificate.
A judge appointed by the Bishop of London after consultation with the Lord Chancellor and the Dean of the Arches. The Chancellor is the Judge of the Consistory Court of the Diocese. The Court decides whether or not to grant a Faculty when it is applied for. The Chancellor is independent of the Bishop.
Churches under Faculty are exempt from Conservation Area Consent as well as Listed Building Consent (see below). Conservation Area Consent is only required for the full demolition of a building in a Conservation Area.
The office which provides the administration for the Committee. This includes the Secretary, the Executive Officer and the Conservation and Development Officer. This office is part of the Property Department of the Diocese.
This is a body which is responsible for England’s historic environment. EH is involved in the Faculty process for listed churches and also provides grant aid for repair works to listed churches. www.english-heritage.org.uk
This is sent out by the DAC once it has looked at what is proposed at the church. The Certificate will “Recommend”, “Raise No Objection” or “Not Recommend”. It is essential that the Certificate is forwarded to the Registrar with the Petition for Faculty.
A listed building is protected by the Town and Country Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. This means that Listed Building Consent (LBC)is required for any changes made to it. Listed churches benefit from ecclesiastical exemption and so do not require LBC. If there is a separately listed building in the churchyard (a building other than the church) then this does require LBC.
This consent required from the Local Planning Authority if one is to make changes to a listed building. Church of England churches benefit from Ecclesiastical Exemption and therefore do not require LBC. If changes are made to the exterior of a church building then Planning Permission will be required. If there is a listed building in the churchyard (for instance the church hall is a listed building) then this does need Listed Building Consent for alterations to it. If in doubt contact the DAC office or your Local Planning Authority.
This is the local council, for instance, Brent Borough Council. The LPA grants planning permission and Listed Building Consent. If any proposals are made by your church to change the exterior of the building then it is essential to contact the LPA as soon as possible to see if any permissions are needed.
These are usually called plans. They include floor plans, elevations and sections and are drawn to a scale, for instance 1:50. These drawings are essential if undertaking changes to your church.
It is possible for one or more people to lodge a formal objection to a Faculty application. Such a person is known as an ‘Objector’ or ‘Party Opponent’. There are a number of ways in which objections may be dealt with. The Diocesan Registry can provide guidance if a formal objection is made.
This is a formal recorded decision by the Parcohial Church Council.
This is the application to the Chancellor for a faculty. The petition is a form which needs to be completed and sent to the Registry with the Public Notice, the DAC Form 1 Certificate, plans and relevant correspondence.
This is permission granted by the Local Planning Authority. Churches need this when alterations are proposed to the exterior of a church. If in doubt whether this is required, contact your Local Planning Authority or the DAC Office.
This is a condition on a DAC Certificate, and it may be included on the Faculty. For instance, if building an extension, it could be a condition that the type of brick has to be agreed on site by the DAC.
This is sent out with the Petition for Faculty forms. It is essential to display the public notice in a prominent location at the church for 28 days. The public notice should describe the works that are to be undertaken at the church and give the local population an opportunity to comment.
This is a report on the state of the church building, made once every five years. This is undertaken by the QI architect/surveyor, see below.
The QI is an architect/surveyor who undertakes the Quinquennial Inspection of the church building once every five years. The QI is chosen by the PCC but must be approved by the DAC.
Legal adviser to the Bishop and the Diocese. The Registrar is Stuart Jones. London Diocesan Registry, Birketts LLP, 106 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3A 4AA Tel: 01603 756 501. Email: stuart-jones@nullbirketts.co.uk
The DAC Sub Committee looks at the more straight forward and minor proposals which come to the DAC. This meets once every six weeks after the Architects Group.
