Reference Documents

Documents related directly to Hartshill Church Project

Church Vision Statement version 2 - circulated 11/9/2024

Nick's Church Vision Statement - circulated 5/6/2023

Works for Church Project - circulated 5/6/2023 (note that this document could be updated now, July 2024, in the light of decisions made)

Questions fro Peter Bemrose

Some things to think about:

Usage of the building. Heating a large building such as this once or twice per week is energy intensive and requires a large heating plant. Buildings that are used daily are inherently much easier to keep warm. Smaller areas are obviously easier to heat than larger ones, so using appropriately sized spaces for smaller meetings and events is much more energy efficient. Where usage increases, solar PV installations also can become viable, having a significant impact on running costs of electrical systems.
The climate crisis and the CofE net zero challenge are rapidly changing the approaches used and the available technology. You are hopefully aware that new fossil fuel installations now require to be supported by a demonstration that “due regard” has been given to the net zero guidance, which effectively involves an options analysis demonstrating why other options are not feasible or uneconomic.
The CofE guidance is extensive and (hopefully!) helpful. I would point you to two pages.
- The net zero page gives a good overview of the issues.
- The heating page has some more specific guidance. On this page, document 1 is a good starting point. You might find it helpful to go through doc 5 – the heating checklist – which will start to bring the specifics of your church into the thinking. Doc 4 suggests a methodology for doing an options analysis.

Finally, it would be helpful to know what sort of power supply you have to the building. Specifically whether it is single phase or 3 phase. If you are able to confirm the fuse size as well (usually 60A, 80A or 100A), that would be helpful. Your electrical inspection report should have this information.

Useful documents which have been circulated to Church Project team members

Church Times Lottery Funding Article

National Lottery Heritage Fund 10 Year Strategy

Jennfer Leadbetter, Heritage and Conservation Officer for North Warwickshire Borough Council recommended the following useful Context magazine that focuses on Churches, link can be found here:

Context 105 - July 2008 (ihbconline.co.uk)

and also this article on retrofit: Context 164 - May 2020 (ihbconline.co.uk).

I have also inserted 2 of the articles as images below: