Oh! Did we need a faculty?

Nicola Davies, formerly our Diocesan Surveyor and an accredited conservationist, explains why you do – and offers a helping hand.

I’ve visited around 10 churches this year to provide advice in order to help plan for maintenance and sometimes the integration of the obligatory toilet and kitchen facilities.

My first stage is to look at the last two Quinquennial Inspections, which give an indication of works that have been flagged up, to see if the urgent works have been addressed and get an overview of its general condition.

The second step is to check the system for any faculty consents, with the third stage to visit the building for myself to see the overall structure and the specific areas in question, usually with members of the church and their incumbent.

However, it’s become apparent that works have been done to over half of these sites without any consent. This has often been detrimental to the buildings.

Here are the top four ‘reasons’ or myths that I have been given:

1. “We had the QI, so we just got on with it…”
2. “Its only painting, so it’s easier just to do it…”
3. “It takes too long and the process is not straightforward…”
4. “We can’t afford an architect’s fees, we can barely afford to do the work…”

It is a criminal offence to carry out work to a listed building, which includes any fabric or structure within its curtilage, without consent.

So let’s bust some of these myths:

1. A QI is neither consent nor provides the method or materials with which to do the work – you must seek professional advice from a conservation-accredited specialist. Ask for details.
2. Paints vary and some are inappropriate – often paint and even plaster damage can be caused by the wrong paint being used, causing severe flaking and spalling. Always seek advice first.
3. The process is slow and it requires the professional (No.1 above) to provide the more difficult and necessary elements of the application for you.
4. Seek advice and perhaps the work can be broken down to manage costs more effectively. Ask for help.

I offer support to anyone unsure of what to do next. I encourage you to ask for help and advice from me - it’s free and practical. We are all custodians of these buildings and it’s not easy, but please do not put yourselves or our buildings at risk.

nicoladavies@churchinwales.org.uk