How do I apply for a faculty?
Initial Plans
Ideally, the PCC (and wider congregation) will plan well ahead for work which is to be done to the church building. Plans may be prompted by a Quinquennial Inspection report or by the parish Mission Action Plan. Sometimes circumstances such as vandalism, an unforeseen breakdown, or (more happily) an unexpected grant, may precipitate the need to take action.
Parishes are encouraged not to enter into commitments or to incur major fees until they have first discussed proposals with the DAC. This can be particularly sensitive when someone is wishing to give a memorial such as a window.
Faculty Stage 1 - preliminary advice
As soon as the PCC has an initial plan, they should contact the DAC for preliminary advice by sending an Initial Consulatation form with outline information to the DAC secretary.
This gives the DAC the opportunity to discuss the proposals, ask questions, offer suggestions, and help the parish finalise its proposals.
This stage is often simple and straightforward but, for more complex proposals, may take months.
Other sources of help and advice:
Diocesan Grant-funding adviser
Faculty Stage 2 - the petition
Once the preliminary discussions are complete, the time has come to post public notices (Form 2) and submit the formal petition (Form 1)
It is important that guidelines for completing and submitting the form are followed carefully and sufficient supporting information is supplied, or your petition will be delayed.
If your church is a listed building then the DAC secretary has to notify your local authority and the amenity bodies of the petitions. They have 28 days in which to comment and the DAC has to take account of these comments before sending its advice to the Chancellor.
In some cases, where the work will change or affect the character of the listed church building, it will also be necessary (Rule 8 subsection 2) for the parish to place a public notice in a local newspaper.
Once the petition papers are complete and the period of notice for the public (and amenity bodies if applicable) has expired, then the DAC will send its advice to the Chancellor.
The DAC meets every 5 to 6 weeks (except in August).
It is the Chancellor’s decision (not the DAC's) whether or not the faculty is granted and work should not be started until a faculty has been received.
As you will understand from this, you should expect the process to take at least 3 months from the time the DAC receives the Faculty Form 1 before a faculty can be issued. If papers are not clear and complete or there are questions to resolve, it will take longer.