Development guides to support Church housing projects
Surveys:
Why, What & When?
If your church is exploring the possibility of developing affordable housing, an important early step is to assess whether the site is viable for development. This often involves commissioning surveys — but knowing what is genuinely required at this early stage can be difficult.
This document explains the key surveys typically needed early in a development project, why they are required, and when they are most useful.
What should you ask an architect to do before committing significant funds? And how can you be confident that early spending is proportionate while you are still testing the feasibility of a building project?
This is a practical template for seeking fee quotes from architects. It focuses on the essential work needed to assess development potential and helps keep early costs under control.
If you would like an editable MS Word version of the Architect’s Brief for your project, you can request one from: HousingProject@churchofengland.org
Architect’s Brief
Guide to the development journey
This guide takes churches and community groups through the process of turning land and buildings into much-needed homes and stronger communities.
It provides a step-by-step overview of the development journey – from assessing land and understanding local housing needs, through design, planning and construction, to welcoming residents and managing completed homes.
Broadly following the RIBA plan of work stages, the guide highlights the key decisions, people to involve and issues to consider at each stage.