EPCs - not a church donation

by Graham Smith and Adam Harvey

EPCs – they shouldn’t be a church donation

By Adam Harvey, Partner at Rapleys

?

Charitable estates are known for having older heritage buildings in their portfolio. Some are surplus to requirement and put on the market – usually in London these are sold to other faith groups, whilst those outside of the City are often bought by investors or individuals seeking residential conversion.

?

For residential purposes, those converting need to be aiming for at least an EPC of ‘C’ in order to get residential planning permission. And that’s after proving that the building cannot be used for community purposes and can be converted to residential use.?

?

Some of these properties are however kept within a portfolio for ongoing use. While churches are exempt from requiring an EPC for church activities alone, many church halls for example are leased out to childcare providers which provides income to the church. MEES regulations require an EPC for commercial use, which in this case falls under as F1, the same category as education.

?

Older buildings are draughty with older infrastructure. The type of boiler and heating system can hinder matters and are expensive to replace. Some churchesseek to use their large roof area for PV installations and, while there are grants available for this type of work, they often don’t extend to the more expensive heritage design versions.

?

Other difficulties are related to the age of the building, structural complications and, in many cases, years of neglect as a result of lack of funds.

?

Churches are, after all, charities and rely on the income from these types of tenant such as childcare provision. The problem is, if a lease is involved, going forwards an EPC will be as well, otherwise they will not be able to be let the property.

?

While the move to more efficient, sustainable property is to be welcomed generally, perhaps a debate should be tabled for more charitable income so that churches, other faith groups and charities are not penalised by loss of income in the meantime?