Controlling Change in Places of Worship

Ely Cathedral recently received a grant towards repairs to the south side of the choir. Which churches are listed?

Our inheritance of historic churches and chapels is rich in variety. A high proportion of listed places of worship are archetypal, medieval village churches. However, the lists also include many Georgian, Victorian and 20th-century buildings, and encompass almost every denomination and creed.

• Nearly 15,000 churches and chapels and 89 cathedrals are listed as being of special historic or architectural interest
• about one-third of all the Grade I or most outstanding listed buildings in the country are places of worship

Why make changes?

Most of these buildings are still in use for worship, which is the best way of ensuring their survival. But as the needs of congregations change, there is often pressure for alterations. Over the centuries many church interiors may have been rearranged several times to meet new needs, and such changes are part of the history of the building. Nevertheless, because churches are often the finest buildings in their neighbourhood and often a landmark in their community, many people may become concerned by proposals for change.

English Heritage wants to see churches maintained and kept in use, and recognises that churches in active use must adapt to the needs of the time. Our main concerns are to make sure that the historic fabric and interest are respected and that nothing of value is irretrievably lost as a result of new works.

How are changes controlled?

Many places of worship in use are not subject to the usual controls over listed buildings. Six major Christian denominations are exempt, but operate their own controls following a Government Code of Practice. This aims to ensure that when alterations, extensions or demolition are planned, they are carefully considered, and English Heritage expertise can be brought to bear.

Under the Code of Practice, the church or congregation must submit proposals for changes to a decision-making body independent of the individual church, with expertise in historic church buildings and with members selected in consultation with local authority associations, English Heritage and the amenity societies. This body must:

• consider the comments received after public display
• consult with amenity bodies, English Heritage, and Local Planning Authorities, on proposals affecting listed churches
• take into account the desirability of preserving historic church buildings and their contents
• allow appeals or further representations which must be undertaken by an independent body
• keep a record of decisions and notify them to amenity bodies

The churches which have agreed to follow the Code are the Church of England, the Church in Wales, the Roman Catholic Church, the Methodist Church, the United Reformed Church and the Baptist Union.

Each of these denominations has set up internal systems to control works to its church buildings. For instance, the Church of England has a system called faculty jurisdiction, under which the Diocesan Chancellor decides the faculty application, taking advice from the Diocesan Advisory Committee on which English Heritage has 'link members'. Some churches of Scottish denominations which are situated in England are also exempt from listed building controls. All other denominations and faiths need listed building consent from the secular planning authority.

For further details, see The Ecclesiastical Exemption: What it is and how it works, issued free by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

How is English Heritage involved?

English Heritage will be consulted on proposals which involve alterations which would affect the character of listed churches and chapels. In commenting on these, we try to ensure that the historic fabric, setting and archaeological interest of the church are safeguarded wherever possible.

What about church land?

Churches often stand on land of archaeological importance. Churchyards may not only contain the burials of centuries, but also old foundations or other remains below ground which are historically just as important as the standing building. These factors are taken into account when proposals are assessed, and county archaeologists can advise churches about this. A church in use cannot be scheduled as a site of archaeological importance but some churchyards may be, as may individual churchyard structures such as medieval crosses. The Secretary of State for National Heritage has to consent to any works, including repairs, affecting a scheduled monument. English Heritage advises on all applications for scheduled monument consent.

When is planning permission needed?

Churches come under the planning system in the same way as secular buildings for any new building work, and substantial alterations and extensions. The local planning authority notifies English Heritage of all planning applications for work affecting the fabric or setting of Grade I and II* churches, and for major developments in conservation areas. In London, the types of application notified to us are more extensive.