A seven-step guide through the faculty process
Step 1 - Parish checks whether a faculty application will be necessary for the proposed works
Most work to a church building or churchyard requires the parish to submit a faculty application but there are other routes depending on the nature of the particular work being proposed. Check what level of authorisation applies in your particular case.
Step 2 - Parish requests informal advice
This step is optional but parishes normally find it helpful to obtain informal advice from the DAC at an early stage. This helps you get the work on the right track before you spend time and money working up the detail. You should provide clear details of what you are proposing and why you are proposing it. This should include:
- a clear explanation of why you're proposing the work
- photographs of areas concerned (including wider context photos) and
- outline sketches (if appropriate).
You should also provide a Statement of Need in line with published guidance - see supporting information. It's normally helpful for you to engage your church architect at an early stage. The DAC may offer a site visit if they feel the proposals require on-site discussion.
Step 3 - Parish requests formal advice
You are required to submit your proposal via the online faculty system. Your application must be accompanied by a full set of definitive supporting information, including the outcome of any necessary consultations. The DAC reviews applications at its monthly meeting - see the page on meeting dates which also includes details of submission deadlines.
Step 4 - Parish receives DAC response to their application
The DAC Office aims to provide a written response to each application, normally within 12 working days of the relevant DAC meeting. The DAC may require additional information from the parish or a change in the proposed specification of the work - in this case the parish will receive an explanatory letter or e-mail. If the DAC is able to make a definitive recommendation at the meeting, the DAC Office will send the relevant documentation to the parish, including public notices.
Step 5 - Parish displays public notices for 28 days
The parish must display the public notices in order to allow church members and other interested parties the opportunity to consider the proposals and to raise any objections with the Diocesan Registrar. The parish must also display the key drawings and associated documents.
Step 6 - Parish submits public notice to Diocesan Registrar and pays the faculty fee
On completion of Step 5, the parish confirms the display of the Notices to the Diocesan Registrar and pays the statutory faculty fee. The Registrar will not proceed the application to the final stage until both these steps have been taken by the parish.
Step 7 - Final decision on faculty application
The Diocesan Chancellor decides whether ot not to issue a faculty, taking into account any representations from the public, statutory consultees or other interest groups. The Diocesan Registrar informs the parish accordingly. Additional procedures may be invoked if there are any significant objections to the proposals. Only on receipt of the issued faculty from the Registrar can the parish legally proceed with the works.