The vicar and churchwardens of Wymondham Abbey sought a faculty for the significant extension and re-ordering of this Grade I listed church originally founded as a Benedictine Priory in 1107. The church was of national and international architectural significance. The aim of the works was to create a flexible learning and interpretation centre, more space for choirs, musicians and concerts, and the facilities and storage space to accommodate the increased activity and visitor numbers. The works were substantially funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant in excess of £1.5m. The proposals for extending the north side of the tower were uncontested, being fully supported by the parish, the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) and the amenity societies. It was the proposal for the south extension that was opposed by the Church Buildings Council and the Society for Protection of Ancient Buildings, despite DAC support and the grant of local authority planning permission. Objections were based upon the size and modern appearance of the south extension and it was argued that the increased space needed could be achieved through better use of existing internal space and a significantly smaller south extension.

In applying the guidelines laid down in Re St Alkmund, Duffield [2013] Fam 158, the chancellor held that the proposals would result in harm to the significance of the building. Nevertheless, the quality of the proposed twenty-first-century design for the extension was very high and all efforts had been made to mitigate its impact. It would not affect the essential structures of the building but would have an aesthetic impact. The justification for carrying out the works – namely increased use of the building for learning, music and visitors, including better disabled access – was accepted as convincing by all parties. The contested issue was how the additional space needed was to be achieved. The chancellor was satisfied that the proposed plans incorporated efficient use of the space needed; alternative suggestions for using space within the existing buildings would dilute the parish's intention to open up the church building for worshippers and visitors alike. Given the nature and significance of the church, the undoubted public benefit from the proposed work outweighed the harm to be caused. Accordingly the faculty was granted. [Catherine Shelley]