How can we enable both the protection and continued use of Scotland’s many and varied places of worship?
The Places of Worship Forum (POWF) is seeking views on the best mechanism for these special buildings – both in and outwith worshipful use – and invites readers to participate in a survey on Ecclesiastical Exemption.
Why are we talking about Ecclesiastical Exemption?
Ecclesiastical Exemption in Scotland is a legal provision under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997. Listed buildings whose primary use is as a place of worship will normally have exemption from the need for listed building consent. Historic Environment Scotland’s Guidance on Ecclesiastical Exemption answers many frequently asked questions on this subject.
Ecclesiastical exemption is considered to end when the final closing service is held, or when no more services are scheduled. Local authorities administer listed building consents and are responsible for deciding whether consent is required.
Current context for places of worship
Built Environment Forum Scotland provides secretariat support for the Places of Worship Forum (POWF). POWF represents faith groups as well as national bodies with an interest in the ownership, funding, sustainability, and the future of places of worship. The aim of the group is to collectively seek sustainable future uses and transition pathways (both within and beyond worship) for Places of Worship in Scotland.
Change and adaptation is an important part of seeing these special buildings survive into the future.
The origins of this recent conversation about Ecclesiastical Exemption stem from the Places of Worship: Planning Forward conference back in October 2025, where discussions explored – amongst other topics – the changed context for places of worship since Ecclesiastical Exemption was put into place.
Questions were raised around how well Ecclesiastical Exemption is understood by congregations, communities, building owners, and decision makers, and highlighted a desire for better signposting and guidance on grey areas, such as when it should end, and how it applies to places of worship used for multiple purposes.
As HES’ Guidance notes: ‘Many congregations wish to use their buildings in a more diverse way. This means that there are an increasing number of situations that the existing legislation did not anticipate and to which there are no straightforward answers.’
This survey has been created on behalf of POWF and aims to gather views and information, to understand what is the most effective mechanism to enable protection and continued use of these buildings, within the planning system and consents process (ecclesiastical exception or otherwise) – both in and outside of ecclesiastical use.
POWF is seeking all views – from congregations; denominations and faith groups; communities; heritage organisations; building managers; developers; architects; planners; businesses and more.
To participate in the survey please follow this link. The deadline for submissions is the 1st of September 2026.
What happens next? BEFS Team will analyse the responses, with the findings forming the basis for recommended next steps by the Places of Worship Forum and stakeholders, as part of a continuing conversation.
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