Property

Property Consents Website
Before commencing a property project, please click here to read a guide which will indicate if it needs to go through the Consents process. If in doubt, it will usually require consent unless it is general repairs and maintenance.

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See who is funding churches in 2024
We’ve updated our list of funders that provide grants to churches and church projects.

Find your best match and use our fundraising tools to write your grant application.

Please contact David early in your project planning for any clarification: property@ywmethodist.org.uk

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Property Stewards Handbook
Property Stewards are an essential role in supporting local churches. The Connexional Team have produced a helpful handbook, please check it out.

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Installation of Solar Panels to Manses
The Connexional Team have advised that “having taken tax advice, we do not believe that modifications of this kind constitute a taxable benefit.”

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Considering a Heat Pump or Biomass Boiler for Manse or Churches?
While many are aware of Government Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) for domestic boiler upgrades, some are not aware that the grant is for church buildings too!

If your church or circuit is exploring low-carbon heating options such as air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, or biomass boilers, it’s worth being aware of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). This is a government grant that applies to both domestic and non-domestic properties, which means church buildings can be eligible.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) – Key Points

• The grant offers £7,500 for heat pumps (air or ground source) and £5,000 for biomass boilers.
• The scheme is open to non-domestic buildings, including churches and church-owned property.
• Although EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) are not usually required for places of worship, one will likely need to be commissioned for the building to qualify. These can cost around £300.
• Since May 2024, it is no longer necessary to resolve any insulation improvements identified in the EPC in order to receive the grant.
• In some cases, installers may require a Letter of Authorisation from the property owner. A Managing Trustee can provide this.

Further Information
For more detailed eligibility and technical information, refer to:

• Boiler Upgrade Scheme: Guidance for Installers – Section 3
• Letter of Authorisation Template

Heat pump technology continues to improve and can now better respond to the variable heating needs typical of church and community buildings. While fluctuating demand can reduce efficiency, a heat pump may still offer a significant reduction in carbon emissions compared to a gas boiler.

That said, heat pumps are not always suitable for every church setting. Their suitability should be carefully assessed as part of any property development or heating scheme.

Heat pumps are often well-suited to manses, smaller buildings, or those that are well insulated. Each property should be considered individually, taking into account its usage patterns, building fabric, and heating requirements.

If you’d like support, please feel free to contact David.

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