On 1 April 2020 new Faculty rules come into effect. This is the first substantial change since the 2015 rules that introduced the lists of works that could be done without faculty, some after confirmation by the Archdeacon that a faculty is not needed.
The new rules add to both List A (works that can be done without permission) and List B (works that need the Archdeacon’s written approval). There will be more routine, repair and maintenance works that will not need a faculty. The range of items in Lists A and B is increased and a distinction made between listed and unlisted buildings where appropriate. Matters to encourage better use of energy are moved into the lists, and providing bike racks is introduced for the first time. You can find the new Lists A and B in Table 1 of the new rules.
One intention of the new rules is to see churches better supported through the faculty process. For churches with far-reaching proposals that will change the character of a listed building wide consultation remains necessary. However, it has been moved to earlier in the process so that parishes will have the benefit of the advice before the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC) issues its notification of advice. The period for receipt of responses to consultation has been extended from 28 days to 42 days; this will lengthen the faculty process for some people, making early contact with the DAC even more important. Plan ahead!
To support these changes the Online Faculty System has been revised and all new applications from 1 April 2020 will have new screens to reflect the new rules and to encourage close working with the DAC. The main change that experienced users will notice is at the start of a new faculty application. The first engagement will ask only two questions –Form 1 (standard information about your church) and a description of the project. The DAC will review this and advise the next steps according to what is really needed. This is intended to encourage close engagement and save a church providing more than is needed.
All applications started on or before 31 March will follow the current rules, and the online system will automatically identify these and continue to process them as at present.
The text of the new rules is here and the CBC’s updated guidance for parishes on the new rules is here.
The flowchart can be downloaded as a stand-along document from here.
If you need any assistance regarding the rule changes or changes to the Online Faculty System then please contact the DAC Secretary, Catherine Copp (catherine.copp@yorkdiocese.org), but unless your enquiry is urgent please do wait until after Easter weekend. If you need advice on a major project affecting your building, particularly if it is Listed, please contact the Church Buildings Adviser, Keith Halliday (keith.halliday@yorkdiocese.org).