Faith communities often want to carry out internal alterations to their buildings in response to changing needs and opportunities. Major internal alterations are often referred to as ‘reordering’. The denominations have different systems for approving alterations:

Church of England
Methodist Church
Catholic Church
United Reformed Church
Baptist Union

The relevant approval body should be consulted as soon as you have draft proposals. In the Anglican and Methodist Churches this applies whether or not the building is listed. Carlisle Diocese provide a preliminary consultation form which is available on their website.

External alterations to listed buildings will also need Listed Building Consent from the District Council or National Park Authority.

You can ask English Heritage to review the listing of your building.  For churches in the Diocese of Carlisle your Buildings Audit will say if a review is recommended.  The application form is available here.  Before asking for a review which could remove the listing you are advised to consider whether you might want to apply for repair grants which are only available to listed buildings.

You should involve an architect at an early stage, particularly if your building is listed or you are planning major work.  An architect who carries out quinquennial inspections of your church will know the building well, but may not necessarily be the ideal choice as other architects may have more knowledge or experience of the type of work you are planning.

Further advice for congregations considering the development of their church building can be obtained from Church Care.  Whilst Church Care is a Church of England website much of the information provided is relevent to all denominations.

Action with Communities in Cumbria can provide advice on developing a place of worship for extended use.  The amount of free advice available depends upon the extent to which the building will be available to the wider community.  Contact Carl Glynn ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), the Village Halls Adviser whose telephone day is Wednesday on 01768 840 827.

You may be able to save VAT on some alterations; see HM Revenue and Customs for further details.