Church Buildings Council Statements of Significance and Need Joseph Elders, Major Projects Officer Ipswich, 29th March 2012

What’s the point, and who for? PCC, trustees Congregation Wider community DAC and Chancellor Statutory Consultees

Statutory Consultees – who?

When should parishes do them? As early as possible – draft Statements will help parish to address their needs and potentialAs early as possible – draft Statements will help parish to address their needs and potential Draft Statements should be available at pre-application (early advice) stage – “front-loading”Draft Statements should be available at pre-application (early advice) stage – “front-loading” Statements can then be finalised for the faculty applicationStatements can then be finalised for the faculty application

What is new? New emphasis on environmental issues and sustainability (the new S-word!)New emphasis on environmental issues and sustainability (the new S-word!) Emphasis on realising each church’s potential, not just listing the constraints – “enhancing the asset”Emphasis on realising each church’s potential, not just listing the constraints – “enhancing the asset” Emphasis on defining and proving the Need – avoid vague talk about “flexibility”Emphasis on defining and proving the Need – avoid vague talk about “flexibility”

The CBC Guidance Faculty Jurisdiction Rules faculty applications for significant changes to listed church should be accompanied by Statements of Need and Significance New CBC guidance was produced in light of feedback from dioceses, architects, parishes and others. Some churches - ie: of major complexity/significance – may need a conservation management plan (CMP) and/or church development plan (CDP).

Statement of Significance A document which: summarises the historical development of the church and; identifies the important features that make major contributions to its character. ‘The story of the church’ Why it is important? What do we need to look after and protect? How do we do this?

Part I: The church in its urban / rural Environment An overview of the whole place and its past: The ‘setting’, the churchyard, a history of the building and local area, architectural notes, features and contents, worship and mission. Part II: The significance of the area affected by the proposal A chance to ‘zoom in’ on the specific place affected: Identifying the parts affected, assessing their significance, thinking about the impact of changes here and then explaining how you might mitigate these.

Statement of Need A document which explains : why the needs of the parish cannot be met without making changes to the church building, and; why the changes are seen as necessary to assist the church in its worship and mission. ‘A snapshot of the church’ What is the church’s status today, right now? What has (or hasn’t) happened to make these changes necessary?

1.What do you need? 2.Why do you need it? 3.Why do you need it now? 4.What is the evidence for the need? 5.How is the proposal environmentally sustainable? 6. What other options were considered?

Widmerpool St Peter

Where do I find it? The revised guidance on Statements of Significance and Need is available at

Thank you