The D.A.C. is a statutory (legally required) body advising on matters affecting places of worship in the Diocese. Similarly to a City Council, the Church of England has a responsibility to maintain important buildings appropriately and sympathetically, while ensuring all the laws around planning permission are followed - especially for churches which are listed buildings.

If clergy and congregations wish to make a change to a Church they need to send a Faculty Petition to the D.A.C. (this is the Church's equivalent of a planning application). The D.A.C. is made up of carefully selected, highly skilled people in the fields of architecture, archaeology, art and design, church liturgy and worship. This group considers the application and offers written recommendation to the Chancellor of Diocese, as to whether, in their opinion, the plans should go ahead. The D.A.C. does not have the power to decide whether a plan should go ahead or not, only to advise the Chancellor. The Chancellor is an independent Judge and has the final say on the application.

The work of the D.A.C. includes the proper care of churchyards and burial grounds.

Read more about the care of Church buildings on this site, or visit www.churchcare.co.uk

For DAC guidance notes and application forms please visit www.grapevine.derby.anglican.org and look in the clergy or church wardens section under buildings.

Main contacts in the D.A.C. >>