Historic Churches Committee by Howard Walters In accordance with the Guidelines for Introducing and Operating the New Provisions for the ecclesiastical exemption from Listed Building Control which became effective from 1 October 1994 and in order to ensure a full and uniform effectiveness in implementing the ‘Code of Practice’, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference for England and Wales approved the setting up of diocesan and inter-diocesan Historic Churches Committees to consider applications for proposed works to churches in use where they are listed buildings in their own right or are within a conservation area. The responsibility also extends to listed buildings in designated conservation areas contiguous to the main church buildings on sites where such buildings are extensions of and consistent with the worship, practice and devotional discipline of users, provided they are not listed in their own right, e.g. certain buildings and structures other than the abbey church in a monastic complex. It also extends to any free-standing building, structure, tombstone, monument or memorial which is within the curtilage of the main church building and forms part of the land (and has done so since before 1 July 1948) and is not listed in its own right. It does not, however, extend to the boundaries of the curtilage itself.
Agree demarcation line Where two or more buildings of uncertain designation are adjoining or where separate spaces of uncertain designation in a single building are adjoining or where the boundary of a curtilage is unclear, then the relevant Historic Churches Committee together with the owner(s) or trustee(s) of the building(s) and curtilage need to agree a line of demarcation with the Local Planning Authority, and a plan of the building or site drawn with the demarcation shown and copies kept by all relevant parties. The Committee has a responsibility to decide on all proposals for: * Internal and external works for the demolition, alteration, repair or extension of a listed church building which would affect its character as a Page 136
building of special architectural or historic interest * works of demolition affecting the exterior of an unlisted church building in a conservation area * works affecting the archaeological importance of a church, or archaeological remains existing within it or its curtilage. However, a Committee has no responsibility for making a final decision on any proposal for total demolition. If total demolition is proposed normal listed building/conservation area controls will apply (as any church building for which demolition is proposed is held to be no longer in use for ecclesiastical purposes.) A Local Planning authority, nevertheless, should welcome having the considerations taken into account by a Historical Churches Committee available to it, prior to making its decision.
Quinquennial inspection reports Among the considerations to be taken into account by each Committee is the progress of works recommended in quinquennial fabric inspection reports relating to listed and conservation area church buildings in their care. The membership of the Historic Churches Committee in accordance with the provisions for implementing the New ‘Code of Practice’ should be between 12 and 15 people consisting of approximately seven ex-officio members, three independent professionals and three representatives from statutory bodies, one of which should be a Local Planning Officer from one of the planning authorities within the diocese representing those authorities, a representative from English Heritage and a representative of the Joint Committee of the National Amenity Societies. At the discretion of the Committee, too, up to two representatives of those submitting a proposal may be in silent attendance and without voting rights. It is imperative that no work should be commenced prior to approval being given by the Historic Churches Committee. For application forms and further information on Ecclesiastical Exemption from Listed Building control contact should be made with the Secretary of the Historic Churches Committee based at Saint Hugh’s House 1 Castle Quay, NOTTINGHAM NG7 1FW Nottingham Diocesan Yearbook
