Church of England churches and churchyards benefit from the Ecclesiastical Exemption Order 2010, which means elements of the secular planning system are replaced by the faculty system. Unlike the secular listed building consent system, the faculty process is tailored to the needs of churches, providing a more relevant and supportive framework for managing change.
The Faculty Jurisdiction Rules set out three main levels of permission for works to churches:
List A: Matters which may be undertaken without a faculty and without the need for consultation
List B: Matters which may be undertaken without a faculty subject to consultation and Archdeacon approval
Faculty: Matters not covered by List A or List B, requiring a faculty by default
The first step is identifying the permission type your works fall into.
If your proposed works can be found under List A and the specified conditions can be met, no further permission is required from the DAC. Please log all List A work on the online faculty system to keep track of completed works and any specified conditions.
If your proposed works do not fall under List A, please check if it falls under List B.
If your proposed works can be found under List B and the specified conditions can be met, you will need to make a List B application using the online faculty system.
List B permission is granted by the relevant Archdeacon, and will require a selection of supporting documents. The amount and type of documentation needed will vary depending on the nature of the works, but it could include things like:
- Photographs – both contextual and specific
- Floor plan
- Relevant PCC minute
- Quotes for the works
For further detail on the List B application process, please see our guidance notes here.
If your proposed works cannot be found under either List A or B, it is likely to require a faculty. You will need to make a Faculty application using the online faculty system.
Faculty applications are granted by the Chancellor of the Diocese, on the advice of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), and external consultees (where applicable).
Documentation required for a faculty will vary significantly according to each application. We would recommend getting in touch with the Church Buildings team early on to discuss your application and the permission process.
Further detail on the Faculty application process can be found in our guidance note here.
All permission applications are currently made through the Online Faculty System (OFS).
General guidance on using the OFS can be found here.
You can watch the training webinar on using the OFS below.
The OFS platform is managed by the Church of England nationally. The platform is currently being redesigned, and a new system will launch in the autumn. We will run training events and provide guidance documents to support this transition.
Need to speak to someone from the Church Buildings Team?
DAC Secretary
Richard Streatfield
richard.streatfield@winchester.anglican.org // 01962 737308
Assistant DAC Secretary
Sarah Stockton
sarah.stockton@winchester.anglican.org // 01962 737306
Church Buildings Support Officer
Libby Davis
libby.davis@winchester.anglican.org // 01962 710969
DAC General Enquiries
dac@winchester.anglican.org // 01962 737306/8