Redundant Churches

Bramhope Chapel, near Leeds dating from the 17th-century, now no longer in regular use for worship. What are the problems of re-use?

As ecclesiastical buildings are such a centrepiece of our built heritage, we take the view that every effort should be made to assist continuing church ownership and use. Alternative uses are hard to find and, because of the very nature of the buildings, may be detrimental to their character, especially to the contents. However, some church buildings simply outlive their purpose as places of worship.

How are churches made redundant?

Each denomination has their own procedures for deciding which listed churches and chapels are no longer needed for religious use. The denomination concerned also should inform the local planning authority. Once the building is no longer in use for worship, proposals for work to it come under the usual listed building controls.

In the Church of England, partial or total demolition of a church which has been declared redundant is generally exempt from listed building and conservation area controls, but the Church Commissioners have to inform all interested parties, including English Heritage. The Secretary of State for the Environment can hold a non-statutory public inquiry if there are objections from amenity bodies. If the inquiry finds the church to be of sufficient architectural or historic importance, the Secretary of State can either recommend to the Church Commissioners that it is passed to the Churches Conservation Trust, or that the church tries to find an alternative use.

Who looks after redundant churches?

The Churches Conservation Trust is a body set up by the Church of England to look after its historically valuable redundant churches, with joint funding from the church and government. It currently manages over 300 churches.

The Historic Chapels Trust, an independent charity, plays the same role in looking after redundant places of worship belonging to Nonconformist, Roman Catholic and non-Christian denominations. It aims to acquire, repair and open to the public important redundant chapels which cannot be put to alternative use without unacceptable damage to their interiors or fittings.

Can new uses be found?

Many churches, when no longer required for worship, can still make a valuable contribution to the life of the community. They often occupy convenient, central positions and make good venues for social and community activities, such as concerts, meetings, exhibitions, and indoor sports. Others have been turned into houses, workshops, flats or offices.

English Heritage collaborates with others to look for a suitable new use to help ensure the survival of the historic fabric. In practice, these are normally Grade II listed buildings, as the Grade I and II* buildings are usually taken on by the Trusts.

Sadly, some listed churches have had to be demolished, either because no use can be found, or because the cost of repairing them is too great. English Heritage works hard to ensure that demolition only takes place after all reasonable options for the re-use or repair of the church have been considered.