1. Looking after your building Paul Broadhurst, DAC Secretary Training for new Churchwardens Saturday 18 June 2016

2. Your church building: inspiration or tragedy?

3. Scope of today’s presentation Understanding significance Faculties and the DAC Health and safety Quinquennial inspections Metal theft Environmental initiatives Wider community use

4. www.chester.anglican.org / Property Further guidance Specific overview for new wardens and clergy

5. Unlisted Grade 2 Grade 2* Grade 1 Significance: buildings

6. Significance beyond the buildings Items in churchyard can be separately-listed Scheduled ancient monument Social significance: fluffy, intangible but valued Artistry, not just obvious artwork

8. The Faculty System An “approved system of control” Replaces: Listed Building Consent Conservation Area Consent But does not replace: Local Planning Consent Building Regulations

9. From Jan 2016 lots of work doesn’t need a faculty: List A: no authorisation required (but need to record) List B: must be authorised by Archdeacon You need to: familiarise yourself with the Lists and their exclusions register for the Online Faculty System submit/record List A/B work via Online Faculty System

10. Church Higher grade listing = greater sensitivity Contents Significance may not always be obvious Churchyard Walls “Fancy” memorials Sundials Other structures Closed churchyards Faculties are a legal requirement for any work beyond “Lists A and B”

11. Clergy, architects, other experts: Understand worship and mission Balance church needs and heritage Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC)

12. Specialist technical advice Get on right track early Save time and money Longer view DAC informal advice Ecclesiastes 1:9 - There is nothing new under the sun!

13. DAC formal advice Formal recommendation on each faculty application: –Recommend –Not object –Not recommend Best to have DAC support if possible

14. Design Consultation Response to objections Legal authorisation Records Faculties ensure proper:

15. Need – PCC define and document their needs Understand – PCC research the building / fabric Solution – PCC take advice from architect / DAC / etc. Consult – Normally PCC Apply – PCC submit application Assess – DAC makes formal recommendation Notices – PCC display notices Complaints – PCC respond to Chancellor Faculty – Issued by Chancellor Most input is by the PCC! Faculty applications: who does what?

16. Faculty timescales Normally takes 10 weeks: 2 weeks – Initial DAC review 2 weeks – DAC Office processing but can prioritise if you explain why 4 weeks – Display of public notices 2 weeks – Residual legal action But it can take a lot longer: Miss monthly DAC submission deadline = extra 4 weeks Queries = weeks or months Consultation problems = weeks or months Formal complaints / Consistory Court = maybe many months

17. Faculties: PCC needs to plan ahead If planning a new heating system: start ball rolling in early spring (quotes/architect/faculty) then do the work over summer (circumvent weddings) avoid winter panic!

18. Faculties: PCC needs to provide sensible supporting details Clear Comprehensive Concise

19. Unsatisfactory supporting information 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

20. … but the architect’s drawing did...

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

22. Online Faculty System Required for: For submitting faculty and “List B” applications For recording “List A” work Benefits: Online help Tracking Archive No postage

23. Consultation Potential consultees: Historic England – Grade 1 or 2* Amenity societies – All listed buildings –The Victorian Society –The Georgian Group –Other specialist groups - e.g. historic organs Church Buildings Council (referral by DAC) Local planning authority for external work Chancellor always requires sight of relevant, professional opinion

24. Wardens / PCC need to: Research and listen Explain and justify Focus on the best outcome for everyone

25. Emergencies Immediate permission for such emergencies as: dangerous masonry failed heating during cold weather But PCC still needs to supply clear information

26. Quinquennial inspections Inspection of church every 5 years: Identify issues and plan to address them Some jobs can be done in-house, e.g. gutter cleaning Diocese pays for the report Foster relationship with your architect You can change architect if you wish

27. Health & Safety Issues to consider include: Trip hazards (e.g. bases of fonts) Fire risk (old electrics / lightning conductor) Asbestos Trees / memorials No mystery: common sense Lots of help on DAC web pages

28. Plemstall St Peter June 2012 Warmingham St Leonard May 2015 Thieves used cherry picker and low loader Metal theft Risk assessment available via DAC web pages

29. Environment initiatives What do you want? to act responsibly? or to save money? Be clear what you’re aiming for Beware “eco bling” – simple measures often best: Service boiler(s) Reduce draughts - but keep “good” ventilation Smart heating control See DAC web page on “saving energy”

30. What does your building say … … to possibly thousands of passers-by every day of the week?

31. Wider community use DAC encourages (sensible) boldness! Focus on specific needs

32. “O still, small voice of calm!”