Alterations to the churches of several UK denominations are excused from local authority planning control and listed building consent through a provision known as Ecclesiastical Exemption. In the Church of England, this applies to all consecrated buildings and their content, church land, and some other church property. The C of E manages Ecclesiastical Exemption through the operation of Faculty Jurisdiction. Each Diocese has a Chancellor who is ultimately responsible for the administration of approvals under Faculty Jurisdiction though some decisions are delegated to Diocesan Archdeacons.
In each Diocese there is a Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (The DAC), appointed by the Diocesan Bishop, which comprises the Archdeacons together with Architects, Building Surveyors, Engineers and other “advisors” – persons knowledgeable about specialist aspects of the liturgy, fabric, fittings, and furnishings of churches.
The DAC provides advice to the Chancellor on the merits of proposed schemes of works to church property submitted for Faculty approval, together with recommendations for caveats, modifications or additions to schemes so that they will best comply with the requirements of Faculty regulations, address potential heritage issues, and provide the most appropriate outcomes for the mission and ministry of the relevant church and parish.
DAC members and advisors also provide advice and guidance from their experience to parishes as they develop schemes of work, to help schemes comply with the requirements of the Faculty Regulations, and to enhance their chances of delivering wise solutions and best value for the parish, as well as safeguarding important heritage, and when appropriate sustaining ecclesiastical integrity.
The church bells advisors for the Dioceses of Portsmouth and Winchester are always happy to advise and assist parishes who identify the need or desire to undertake work on their bell(s). Their contact details are: