Quick answer
For a well-prepared parish solar faculty application, typical timescales from PCC resolution to faculty grant are: 10–14 weeks for non-listed buildings; 12–18 weeks for Grade II listed; 18–26 weeks for Grade II*; 24–40 weeks for Grade I with Historic England substantially involved.
Full answer
The DAC consultation is the principal time variable. Most DACs meet quarterly (some bi-monthly). Submission timing relative to the next DAC meeting determines the first 4–10 weeks of the application. Most diocesan offices publish DAC meeting dates 12 months in advance.
After DAC issues a Notification of Advice, the application goes on 28-day public notice. The Chancellor then grants the faculty (typically 4–6 weeks after the close of public notice for non-contested applications).
Faster than headline timescales suggest: we typically achieve 11-week DAC turnaround on well-prepared Grade II applications. The factors that speed it up are: engaging the diocesan architect at survey stage (not at submission), strong Statement of Significance drafting, clear visual impact assessment, and conservation rationale in the Statement of Needs.
Slower than headline timescales suggest: weak drafting that triggers DAC redraft requests (adds 8–16 weeks per round); formal objection during public notice (adds 8–24 weeks of consistory court process); Historic England objections on Grade I requiring redesign (variable). None of these are common with proper preparation.
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