Buildings and Fabric Issues Paul Broadhurst, DAC Secretary Training for New Churchwardens Saturday 27 June 2015

Your church building Significance Sources of advice Faculty system Health and safety Quinquennial inspections Lead theft Environmental issues Community use

Unlisted Grade 2 Grade 2* Grade 1 Significance: buildings

Significance: inside and outside Separately-listed memorial or boundary wall Scheduled ancient monument Social significance

/ Property Advice

Clergy, architects, other experts: Informed advice Understand worship and mission Balance needs and heritage Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC)

DAC site visits: Get work on right track early Often save parish time and money Specialist DAC Advisers Including bells, stained glass, organs, heating, audio visual, silver, art DAC early advice

Faculties Faculty system is: An “approved system of control” Much easier than secular control We decide where our altars go - not local councils Replaces - in Law - Listed Building Consent and Conservation Area Consent It does not replace Building Regulations or Local Planning Consent We have to act responsibly … and prove it!

Needed for changes or major repairs Church: Repairs (>£7,500 …) Changes (any value) Anywhere: Items of historic or artistic importance may not always be obvious Churchyard: Boundary walls Separately listed items (e.g. sundial) Halls / structures Closed churchyards Faculties

Why? The purpose of the faculty system is to ensure: Proper control Due consultation Objections are dealt with properly A legal and historical record Faculties

Who does what? Need – PCC define Understand – PCC research fabric Solution – PCC take advice from architect / DAC / etc. Consult – PCC contact Historic England etc. Apply – PCC submit application Assess – DAC makes formal recommendation Notices – PCC advertise scheme Complaints – PCC respond to Chancellor Faculty – Issued by Chancellor Faculties

Need – PCC define Understand – PCC research fabric Solution – PCC take advice from architect / DAC / etc. Consult – PCC contact English Heritage etc. Apply – PCC submit application Assess – DAC makes formal recommendation Notices – PCC advertise scheme Complaints – PCC respond to Chancellor Faculty – Issued by Chancellor Who does what? DAC’s role is relatively limited Faculties

Need – PCC define Understand – PCC research fabric Solution – PCC take advice from architect / DAC / etc. Consult – PCC contact English Heritage etc. Apply – PCC submit application Assess – DAC makes formal recommendation Notices – PCC advertise scheme Complaints – PCC respond to Chancellor Faculty – Issued by Chancellor Faculties Who does what? The PCC is in the driving seat

Faculty timescales You can receive a faculty in 10 weeks: 2 weeks – Prior DAC review 2 weeks – Processing time after DAC meeting but can prioritise 4 weeks – Display of public notices 2 weeks – Residual legal action and review by Chancellor/Archdeacon But it can take a lot longer: Miss monthly DAC submission deadline = extra 4 weeks Queries (e.g. unclear / alternatives / need) = weeks or months Consultations late / unsatisfactory = weeks or months Display notices incorrectly = extra 4 weeks Formal complaints / Consistory Court = months

Plan ahead! Early Spring is a good time to start off a faculty application for major work to the heating system You will then have the faculty in time to do the work over summer

Paperwork … … is mainly under PCC control Applications should be: Clear Comprehensive Concise

Queries This didn’t get recommended … Materials? Fixings? Ends of rails? Panels? Colour? Building Regs? Visual context? Application for handrails at chancel steps in Grade II building

… but the architect’s drawing did...

... with clear supporting photos so that the DAC could understand the context

New online system Coming into operation 1 January 2016 Extra delegation of Minor Works to Archdeacons Online help screens / prompts / feedback / tracking

Consultation For changes to listed church buildings or Sensitive fabric, PCCs are legally obliged to consult those bodies appropriate to their particular scheme: Historic England – Grade 1 or 2* The Victorian Society The Georgian Group S.P.A.B. 20 th Century Society Other specialist groups - e.g. historic organs Local planning authority for external work Chancellor always requires sight of relevant, professional opinion

Research / understand Be factual Listen Be willing to compromise where appropriate Focus on the best outcome for everyone Tips on good consultation

Diocesan Advisory Committee Formal role is to make recommendations on faculty applications to the Diocesan Chancellor: Recommend / Not object / Not recommend Informal role is often to help a parish to: Improve a scheme Save money Take a longer view Save a parish from itself!!

Emergencies Immediate permission available, e.g. dangerous masonry failed heating during cold weather

Quinquennial inspections Inspection of church every 5 years Identify issues Plan ahead Diocese pays for the report Foster relationship with your architect

Health & Safety responsibilities of PCCs Issues to consider include: Trip/fall hazards (around font?) Fire / asbestos / lightning conductor Lightning conductor, trees, grave memorials Reasonable action / common sense Detailed guidance on DAC web pages

Plemstall St Peter June 2012 Warmingham St Leonard May 2015 Thieves used cherry picker and low loader Lead theft: Is YOUR church next? Risk assessment – see DAC web pages Physical security SmartWater forensic marking system Report all crime to Police and DAC

Environment initiatives Be clear on your primary goal: to act responsibly? (often more expensive) or to save money? Big statements are often the least effective Best to: Service boiler(s) Install smart heating controls Reduce draughts - but keep “good” ventilation Be wary of unseen effects (e.g. organs / woodwork) Detailed guidance on DAC web page on “saving energy”

Community use Wider community use of churches: You can be bold and imaginative! Outreach Income Funding help available Detailed guidance on DAC web pages

What does your building say … … to possibly thousands of people every day of the week?

“O still, small voice of calm!”