The Diocese of Peterborough covers Northamptonshire and the unitary authority of Peterborough, with around 360 parishes. Peterborough Cathedral is one of the finest Norman buildings in England, containing the tomb of Catherine of Aragon and (formerly) Mary Queen of Scots.
The Diocese of Peterborough at a glance
- Bishop
- Bishop Debbie Sellin
- Coverage
- Northamptonshire, Rutland, the unitary authority of Peterborough
- Parishes
- ~360 CofE parishes
- Net zero target
- 2030
- Chancellor (faculty)
- David Pittaway KC
- Capital programme
- Peterborough Diocese Net Zero Action Plan
- Maximum diocesan grant
- £18,000
Notable historic churches in the diocese
- Peterborough Cathedral (Norman, contains Catherine of Aragon's tomb)
- All Saints Northampton
- St Sepulchre's Northampton (one of four round churches in England)
- Northampton RC Cathedral
- Kettering SS Peter and Paul
Funding stack for Peterborough parish solar
A typical parish solar project in the Diocese of Peterborough combines multiple funding routes to achieve 80-100% capex cover:
| Grant source | Value range | Typical share of capex |
|---|---|---|
| Peterborough Diocese Net Zero Action Plan | Up to £18,000 | 30-50% |
| Buildings for Mission (CofE national) | £10,000-£50,000 | 40-60% |
| 0% VAT on the installation (energy-saving materials relief) | Zero-rated to 31 Mar 2027 | 0% VAT |
| CPCA Cambridgeshire and Peterborough business grants | Variable | 5-10% |
Faculty jurisdiction in the Diocese of Peterborough
For Church of England parishes in the Diocese of Peterborough, any works to a consecrated building — including solar PV — require a faculty granted by the Chancellor, David Pittaway KC, 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 Peterborough 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 Peterborough
We deliver across the Northamptonshire, Rutland, the unitary authority of Peterborough footprint, with particular activity in:
How we work with Diocese of Peterborough parishes
- Free desk feasibility — system size, capex, grant routes specific to Peterborough, 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 — Peterborough Diocese Net Zero Action Plan, 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 Peterborough parish solar
How many CofE parishes does the Diocese of Peterborough have?
Approximately 360 parishes across Northamptonshire, Rutland, the unitary authority of Peterborough.
Who is the Chancellor of the Diocese of Peterborough?
David Pittaway KC grants faculties for solar installations on consecrated parish buildings.
What is the diocese's net zero target?
The Diocese of Peterborough 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 Peterborough parish solar?
The principal route is the Peterborough Diocese Net Zero Action Plan, with awards up to £18,000. 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 Peterborough?
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.
Related dioceses and resources
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