It is important to maintain perimeter structures such as boundary walls and fences. These can protect your churchyard from intruders or free roaming animals and add visual interest to the landscape.
A failing structure can present Health and Safety risks to the public and users of the churchyard and may also cause distress if there are any burials or memorials nearby.
Your boundaries should be inspected as part of a QI but you should also ensure you inspect them periodically between QIs. If you identify that some repairs are necessary, you should contact the DAC staff for advice on what permission may be required (see Permissions).
Minor maintenance and repairs can be applied for under List B. Click here to download the List B specifications. However, more extensive rebuilding may require more substantial permissions such as a faculty (see DAC & Faculties).
If there is an urgent health and safety risk, the area should be cordoned off and you should contact the DAC staff or your archdeacon as soon as possible.
If the DAC staff are not available, you should go directly to the Registry.
It is important that the works will not relate to any wall which is included in the Schedule maintained for the purposes of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 or is separately listed as a building of special architectural or historic interest under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.