As a consequence of our agreement with Central Government the Methodist Church’s internal system should embody a number of principles. One of which is the submission of all proposals for internal and external works to a listed church to a body independent of the local congregation.
This independent body is the Listed Buildings Advisory Committee (LBAC). Under Standing Order 332, the LBAC is to be appointed by the Methodist Council to provide expert knowledge of historic church buildings. In particular the members of the LBAC are to have, between them:
a) knowledge of the history, development and use of Methodist chapels;
b) knowledge of Methodist liturgy and worship;
c) knowledge of archaeology, of the history and the development of architecture and the visual arts; and
d) experience of the care of historic buildings and their contents.
The role of the LBAC, under Standing Order 982, is to provide advice to the Connexional Conservation Officer on all applications for listed building works. The LBAC is also expected to provide general advice to the Connexional Conservation Officer on policy matters regarding listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas. The Connexional Conservation Officer then collates this response, and the representations received from the statutory bodies and amenity societies and makes a recommendation to the Methodist Council. The LBAC is not a decision making body.
The Conservation Office processes approximately 300 projects for works to listed buildings and buildings in conservation areas each year. Many of these projects are for relatively minor works, such as the removal of a pew or the refitting of a kitchen. The LBAC cannot therefore comment on every project without substantially slowing down the processing system. A policy framework has developed which allows the responsibility for providing much advice to be delegated to the Connexional Conservation Officer. This may however still involve consultation with the statutory bodies and amenity societies. The Connexional Conservation Officer can provide advice on this.
The LBAC meets quarterly (January, April, July and October) and members offer their service on a voluntary basis. At each meeting a list of all new applications or initial contacts is reported, together with details of all major cases. There is also a report on the advice that has been given since the previous LBAC. The LBAC also receives the comments received from Historic England /Cadw, Local Authorities and National Amenity Societies on submitted projects.
As you can see from the members’ reasoned statements below there are representatives of both mission and conservation, including Chairs of District and supernumerary ministers. Some members also hold property related positions in the Methodist Church, such as District Property Secretaries. They ensure our system is robust and transparent and are mindful of the need to consider the conservation of the building and the continuation of mission when assessing applications. They have Terms of Reference which have been agreed by the Methodist Council.
In addition, the LBAC hold at least one of their meetings in the Districts where observers are invited to attend to observe proceedings. For details of this years 'Away Day' please contact the Connexional Conservation Officer.
How do I make changes to a listed building? How do I apply for listed building approval?