Edgmond St Peter - June 2024
One of four pinnacles of the Grade 1 listed building blew down during a storm. The three remaining pinnacles were inspected and the parish petitioned for an interim faculty to remove all of the pinnacles for repair. Subsequent confirmatory faculty petition made. This judgment relates to the need to restore the pinnacles to the tower of the Grade 1 Listed building within a specified time period. The parish believe that the pinnacles should be stored at ground level and not restored to the tower (funding concerns).
Walsall St Peter - August 2021
A petition was submitted for the removal of pews and the pew platforms from the church, to be replaced with chairs featuring upholstered seat and back pads, and to replace the existing heating with 30 wall-mounted radiators together with underfloor pipes all heated by a gas-fired boiler. The faculty was granted on the condition that as far as practicable gas would be supplied under a green tariff and so far as practicable carbon emissions caused by any non-renewable gas used are off-set. In respect of the removal of pews, four pews were to be retained and repositioned against the north and south walls; the increase in the area of wooden flooring to cover the current extent of the north and south aisles; and the provision that all the chairs would be covered in 'Espresso' upholstery.
Tong St Bartholomew - June 2021
A faculty had been granted to allow the installation of glass doors in wooden frames at the south porch of the church. The manufacturers advised that the proposed frames were not thick enough to support the glass, and so the petitioners agreed to slightly wider frames without referring the matter to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC). The petitioners were also advised that patch hinges would be inadequate and they agreed to floor socket hinges. The doors were installed. The petitioners applied for three variations to the faculty: (1) retrospective approval of wider frames and alternative hinges; (2) replacing the proposed oak handles with stainless steel; and (3) applying to the glass a film bearing the designs originally proposed, instead of etching, on account of the high cost of the etching. The Chancellor approved the wider profile of the wooden surrounds of the doors; refused to approve replacing the oak handles with stainless steel ones, and approved the application of film to the glass, only if further attempts to raise the cost of the etching by 1st November 2021 failed.
Pattingham St Chad – March 2020
A petition was submitted for the introduction of a votive candle stand; the removal of nine pews; and the introduction of chairs in the place of the pews. In his Judgment, the Chancellor determined that a faculty for the petition as it stood was refused, because the proposed chairs were said to have a marked impact on the appearance of the church. However, the Chancellor authorised the introduction of the votive candle stand and welcomed the petitioners to apply to the Court for the removal of the pews and introduction of suitable chairs. If such a proposal for suitable chairs was presented, a faculty would be authorised, subject to the approval of the DAC.
Tong St Bartholomew - December 2019
A petition was submitted for internal re-ordering to the north aisle, which involved introducing oak screening and cupboards to create a storage area. A letter of objection was received, which established that allowing the proposed screen to be installed in that location would increase the risk of a lavatory being installed elsewhere and in a less desirable location. The Chancellor granted the faculty on the basis that the concern cannot operate as a factor in respect of the faculty sought.
Wellington All Saints - September 2019
A petition was submitted for the removal of four rows of pews from the church and to replace the pews with chairs that feature an upholstered seat pad and back pad. The faculty was refused but the Chancellor allowed the petitioners to submit an amended application, that would propose an alternative choice of chair (either without an upholstered back pad or a new chair design altogether).
Llanyblodwel St Michael the Archangel - September 2019
A petition was submitted for the introduction of a frameless glass door in the church porch. The faculty was refused but the Chancellor left the way open for the petitioners to submit plans to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for a glass door with a frame (without the need for any further petition formalities).
Longsdon St Chad - June 2019
A petition was submitted for the introduction of sixteen chairs and four tables in the north aisle. The faculty was refused as the Chancellor felt more harm would be caused than is necessary to achieve the desired benefit.
Stoke on Tern St Peter - June 2019
A petition for works of repair and partial replacement of the church porch, with "strong objections" submitted by the Victorian Society and reservations expressed by Historic England. Consideration given to the extent of the decay of the porch, the exposed location of the church, the extent to which the proposed works involve retention of the footprint and overall shape of the church, the fact that the porch is not an original feature of the porch and the use of the porch as place for prayer and reflection.
Gnosall St Lawrence - April 2018
A petition for the removal of the rear two rows of pews at the west end of the church for which a letter of objection was received. The Chancellor approved the faculty to issue subject to conditions.
Codsall St Nicholas - April 2018
Bell ringing platform and associated works to install a lavatory proposed by PCC, contended by objectors. Faculty granted.
Darlaston St Lawrence - June 2016
Audio visual system contested by parishioners. Faculty granted.
Knypersley St John - November 2015
Works to remove pews, level the floor and for the installation of carpet and heating system. Faculty granted with conditions that a photographic record be compiled and kept for viewing by those who have an interest in the church.
Shifnal St Andrew - October 2015
Audio-visual works proposed by PCC but contested by amenity bodies. Faculty issued with conditions.
Great Ness St Andrew - August 2014
Tower stonework repairs petition regarding an amendment to previously issued faculty for use of Cover Sandstone or Myddle Sandstone, instead of Grinshill Red Sandstone. Advice from various bodies/people differ. The PCC are entitled to use Cove Sandstone but if they should choose Myddle Sandstone, then that will be equally permissible.
Ellesmere Blessed Virgin Mary - July 2014
Disposal of item of historic interest, presumption against disposal, approach to be taken in considering whether disposal justified, disposal appropriate where stained glass redundant and where disposal will build up body of learning about stained glass.
Pattingham St Chad - April 2014
Replacement of wooden storm porch with modern glazed door. Approach to be taken where there are competing views as to the aesthetic merits of proposals.
Smallthorne St Saviour - December 2013
Parish wishing to use polycarbonate guards to protect church windows, where the DAC has advised the use of wire mesh instead. Faculty issued authorising the works as set out in the petition - namely the use of polycarbonate guards.
Rushall St Michael the Archangel - December 2013
Repair and conservation work on historic glass, approach to be taken to absence of conservation report, circumstances in which condition can be used to address deficiencies in information provided by petitioners (supplemental judgment).
Meir Heath St Francis of Assisi - August 2013
Solar panels, approach to be taken to changes affecting the appearance of an unlisted church of architectural interest and importance. Installation of solar panels authorised.
Wolverhampton St Peter - August 2013
Introduction of organ into Grade 1 listed chancel, approach to be taken to changes affecting the character of listed churches, application of Duffield: St. Alkmund approach. Permission refused.
Rushall St Michael the Archangel - July 2013
Repair and conservation work on historic glass, approach to be taken to absence of conservation report, circumstances in which condition can be used to address deficiencies in information provided by petitioners.
Chasetown St Anne - June 2013
Removal of pews from listed church, application of Duffield St. Alkmund approach; whether faculty for removal of pews permissible without details of replacement being provided.
Eccleshall Holy Trinity - February 2013
Church roof - replacement of lead, approach to be taken in deciding whether to allow removal of lead and replacement with different material.
Fenton Christ Church - January 2013
Church roof - replacement of lead, approach to be taken in deciding whether to allow removal of lead and replacement with different material, whether time limit should be placed on permission to use material other than lead.
Hanley All Saints - September 2012
Lease of most of church building to another denomination, whether such a lease permissible, approach to be taken to requirement that building continue to be used primarily as a place of worship.
Chell St Michael - June 2012
Removal of pews from unlisted church, approach to be taken when petition obtained but no action taken for several years.
Warslow St Lawrence - April 2012
Pipe Organ rebuilding and restoration, approach to be taken to applications for replacement or removal of such organs, considerations applicable when deciding on balance between conservation and restoration.
Alrewas All Saints - April 2012
Reordering of listed church, application of formerly applicable Bishopgate approach, principles to be applied when considering movement of font.
Aston-by-Stone St Saviour - February 2012
Contended internal re-ordering. Faculty granted with conditions. Judgment written by Deputy Chancellor.
Stafford St Mary - November 2011
Contended internal re-ordering. Faculty granted with conditions. Judgment written by Deputy Chancellor.