Quinquennial inspection
|
[edit] Introduction
A Quinquennial Inspection (QI) is a detailed, professionally-compiled report of a church which must be carried out at least once every five years (Quin = five (Latin)). Its provisions form part of the Inspection of Churches Measure 1955 (as revised 1991) which has the same force as a statute.
The Church of England has pioneered the regular inspection of church buildings with the aim that houses of worship should be kept in good order architecturally, structurally and, generally in an acceptable state of repair. Under the Measure, every diocesan synod must provide for the inspection and subsequent report on the parish churches in the diocese, as well as any other consecrated buildings which are licensed for public worship.
The quinquennial inspector appointed is always a named individual, not a firm, and they should be either an Architects Registration Board (ARB)-registered member or a Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) chartered building surveyor. The inspector is usually appointed by the parochial church council (PCC) – the executive committee of a C of E parish – usually for one inspection and one report. If a parish fails to instigate an inspection, they may be served a notice by the archdeacon to do so which, if ignored, can lead to direct arrangements made by the archdeacon.
The inspector’s training, accreditation and experience in building conservation must be suited to address the complexity and significance of the church in question. Their quinquennial report (QR) will give an overview of the repair needs of the building, and will usually highlight the repairs required according to their priority.
[edit] Typical headings in a quinquennial report
An inspector undertaking a QI may work according to headings which can include:
- Overall condition of the building fabric.
- New repair works carried out since the last inspection.
- Urgent repairs needed and timescale for their completion eg, immediately, ASAP, within 18 months, three years, etc.
- Detailed condition of walls, roof, tower, plumbing, heating, furniture, etc
- Recommendations for future maintenance of building and contents.
- Requirements for further detailed investigations, if needed.
The fees charged for the QI are generally reimbursed by the diocese or deanery, and many churches submit an annual fee towards the report.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
IHBC NewsBlog
Drinkers toast the future after historic Leeds pub granted GII listed heritage status
The Templar Hotel on Vicar Lane has been listed at Grade II by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.
Housing Minister announces new champion for modern ‘MMC’ housebuilding
Government has announced a new Champion for Modern Methods of Construction as part of the government’s drive to make the UK the global leader in housing standards.
RTPI on ‘Why planning needs better outcome measurement’
Planning is about so much more than the number of applications approved and the speed of processing them so the RTPI is commissioning research aimed at producing a toolkit that can demonstrate a wider range of outcomes.
The rise of ‘facadism’ in London, from the BBC and ‘The Gentle Author’
London blogger The Gentle Author has been photographing the changing face of London, focusing on what is known as ‘facadism’, the practice of destroying everything apart from the front wall and constructing a new building behind it.
Great Yarmouth Winter Gardens Facing Off Dilapidation
Urgent repairs have been ordered to save one of the country’s most endangered buildings from dilapidation while Great Yarmouth Borough Council seeks an investor.
Construction urged to do more for butterflies and bees, via SNH
SNH has published new guidance on how best to fit pollinators into urban design and construction with a series of easy steps to suit all project budgets and sizes.
Applications now open for the Sustainability Scholarship for 2020: Closing 29/11
Applications are invited for the Sustainability Scholarship 2020, with successful applicants to receive £3000, support and mentoring from experts, and closing 29 November.
Government asked to save plans for Queensbury tunnel cycle
It was hoped the 1.4 mile (2.3km) Victorian Queensbury Tunnel could be used by cyclists travelling between Bradford and Halifax, but plans have been threatened.
Case Study in Durham Cathedral: Project Managment and Building Services Challenges
Completing works that widened public access to the hidden architectural spaces and collections of Durham Cathedral showcases exceptional project management.
Autumn clamp down on dust by HSE – site visits planned
This month HSE is carrying out its latest construction inspection initiative with a focus in particular on measures in place to protect workers from occupational lung disease caused by asbestos, silica, wood and other dusts when carrying out common construction tasks.
Public property hubs to be delivered in Birmingham and Peterborough
Peterborough and Birmingham are the latest places to benefit from the Government Hubs programme to regenerate city centre sites.