The Diocese of Norwich covers Norfolk with around 580 parishes — the highest number of Grade I listed churches of any English diocese. The Environment Programme supports parish solar with particular emphasis on rural single-handed benefices and the very large pool of medieval churches in Norfolk's countryside.
The Diocese of Norwich at a glance
- Bishop
- Bishop Graham Usher
- Coverage
- Norfolk and small parts of Suffolk
- Parishes
- ~580 CofE parishes
- Net zero target
- 2030
- Chancellor (faculty)
- Ruth Arlow
- Capital programme
- Norwich Diocese Environment Programme
- Maximum diocesan grant
- £22,000
Notable historic churches in the diocese
- Norwich Cathedral (Anglican, Norman)
- Norwich RC Cathedral (St John the Baptist, second-largest Catholic cathedral in England)
- St Peter Mancroft Norwich
- Great Yarmouth Minster (St Nicholas)
- King's Lynn Minster
Funding stack for Norwich parish solar
A typical parish solar project in the Diocese of Norwich combines multiple funding routes to achieve 80-100% capex cover:
| Grant source | Value range | Typical share of capex |
|---|---|---|
| Norwich Diocese Environment grants | Up to £22,000 | 35-55% |
| Buildings for Mission (CofE national) | £10,000-£50,000 | 40-60% |
| Listed Places of Worship VAT Grant Scheme | 20% of capex | 20% |
| Norfolk County Council rural community grants | Variable | 5-10% |
Faculty jurisdiction in the Diocese of Norwich
For Church of England parishes in the Diocese of Norwich, any works to a consecrated building — including solar PV — require a faculty granted by the Chancellor, Ruth Arlow, on the advice of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC). For a well-prepared solar application, the typical timescale from PCC resolution to faculty grant is 10-18 weeks for non-listed and Grade II buildings, extending to 18-26 weeks for Grade II* and Grade I where Historic England consultation is required.
We have prepared faculty applications across the Diocese of Norwich and know the DAC office, diocesan architect, and Net Zero Officer personally. See our 2026 PCC guide to faculty jurisdiction for the full process, or our faculty application service page for our delivery approach.
Cities and towns covered in the Diocese of Norwich
We deliver across the Norfolk and small parts of Suffolk footprint, with particular activity in:
How we work with Diocese of Norwich parishes
- Free desk feasibility — system size, capex, grant routes specific to Norwich, PCC-ready report inside 7 working days
- On-site survey — structural and electrical engineers; engagement with diocesan architect
- Faculty application — Statement of Significance, Statement of Needs, DAC consultation, representation at chancery
- Grant applications — Norwich Diocese Environment Programme, Buildings for Mission, Listed Places of Worship VAT scheme
- Install and commission — typically 1-3 weeks on site, with full PCC training and monitoring active
- Post-commissioning — Eco Church credit logged, parish magazine feature, annual carbon report
Common questions — Diocese of Norwich parish solar
How many CofE parishes does the Diocese of Norwich have?
Approximately 580 parishes across Norfolk and small parts of Suffolk.
Who is the Chancellor of the Diocese of Norwich?
Ruth Arlow grants faculties for solar installations on consecrated parish buildings.
What is the diocese's net zero target?
The Diocese of Norwich has committed to net zero by 2030, in line with (or ahead of) the Church of England's national 2030 General Synod commitment.
What grant funding is available for Norwich parish solar?
The principal route is the Norwich Diocese Environment Programme, with awards up to £22,000. This combines with national Buildings for Mission grants, the Listed Places of Worship VAT Grant Scheme, and charitable trust funding to typically cover 50-100% of capex.
How long does a faculty application take in the Diocese of Norwich?
For a well-prepared solar faculty application, 10-18 weeks for non-listed and Grade II buildings; longer for Grade II* and Grade I where Historic England consultation is required.