The faculty jurisdiction enables the Church to deal with consents for repairs and alterations which would, in the case of secular buildings and land, be handled by applications for planning permission and listed building consent. Normally therefore, once a faculty has been obtained, it is not necessary to obtain a separate planning permission or listed building consent for works to consecrated buildings or land. However there are still some cases where a planning permission will be required in addition to a faculty. This is generally the case where ‘operational development’ is proposed. Examples include
- The construction of a new church
- Extension to an existing church
- Works which materially effect the exterior of a church or its environs
Where planning permission is required, the Chancellor will normally require this to have been obtained, at least as an outline permission, before the Petition is lodged for the grant of the Faculty. For advice about whether planning permission may be required in addition to a Faculty, please consult the DAC Secretary or the relevant local authority planning department.
