When an exempt listed place of worship ceases to be used for regular worship it comes under normal local authority controls. Secular controls apply to Churches Conservation Trust buildings even though they remain consecrated and hold occasional services. The exempt denominations are required to inform the local planning authority when worship has ceased at a listed church or chapel.

Where fixtures and fittings are being removed from a closed listed church, even if only for safe keeping while the future of the building is considered, local authority consent may be needed.

The Church of England process for closure and disposal of church buildings is governed by the Pastoral Measure 1983 and overseen by the Church Commissioners. It involves the publication of proposals firstly to close a building and secondly to settle its future.  The local planning authority is consulted on draft proposals at each stage. During any intervening period between closure and disposal, a church will be in the ownership of the diocese and will be subject not only to the local authority’s listed building controls but also the faculty jurisdiction exercised by the diocese.

If demolition of a closed church is proposed by the Commissioners, the work would be exempt, but if the local planning authority, English Heritage, the Church Buildings Council or a national amenity society make an objection a non-statutory public inquiry can be held, at the discretion of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

New uses

Places of worship of all denominations, when no longer required for worship, may have a continuing and valuable contribution to make to their community in terms of their architectural, aesthetic, historical and social value. Even where a building does not merit designation it may nevertheless have considerable local value. Hence there are good reasons to find an alternative use for a redundant place of worship and to do so without unnecessary delay.

The aim of all parties concerned should be to identify the optimum viable use, compatible with the significance of the building. Local planning authorities are encouraged to formulate a planning brief to guide potential new owners, setting out the uses most likely to be acceptable.

The places of worship of most faith groups are subject to charity law concerning the disposal of assets. Contrary to widespread belief this does not always oblige trustees to dispose of a redundant building at full market value. There are other options, which can be better at preserving a building’s place in the community and its special architectural and historic interest. Some of these are outlined in a guidance note from English Heritage and DCMS, Options for disposal (2010), and further advice can be given by the Charity Commission.