Building development

Building developments means any significant change, modification or alteration to a church building/premises, Synod needs to be involved in the oversight of the proposal and the work itself. The level of oversight is broken down by value of the work: minor (below £5,000), major (above £5,000). Regardless of the value, the Synod Property Officer, Jamie Anderson can discuss your proposals and advise on a wide range of actions so that your proposals becomes reality.

Minor work

For work less than £5,000, this is more likely to be undertaking routine maintenance work or minor reburbishment, Synod does not need to be involved: although you can still ask Jamie for his advice. However, if the proposed work involves any of the following, then it is a requirement that Synod is consulted and their permission obtained at an early stage:

  • the church is a Listed Building or is in a Conservation Area

  • the proposal involves structural alteration

  • there is some progressive condition, eg dry rot or beetle infestation

  • a grant or loan from Synod will be requested

If any of the above apply, you are requested to complete an Initial Enquiry Form and email to Jamie -

Major work

Work greater than £5,000 requires a higher level of scrutiny and more detailed consideration and it is essential that Synod are involved at the earliest stage of your planning. An Initial Enquiry Form should be completed and emailed to Synod Property Officer.

Synod will then make a preliminary assessment of whether or not it is likely to agree to such a project going ahead based on the information given on the form. This will not normally be a “green light” to go ahead, but a positive indication of support. The church will then be required to progress to a more detailed project plan, or commission a formal feasibility study if appropriate.