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THE PROPERTY HANDBOOK
Chapter 16.4 of the 2006 Book of Order defines the property and finance
responsibilities and duties of a presbytery as follows:
1. A presbytery has the following functions in relation to church buildings:
a) approval of sites and plans for new buildings
b) approval of the erection of new buildings for the purposes of the Church
c) oversight of building proposals submitted by congregations
d) approval of plans for re-erection or renovation of, and alterations and additions to,
the buildings in excess of a sum determined by the Council of Assembly and specified
in the supplementary provisions and
e) approve the purchase of existing buildings.
2. A presbytery must not approve any building proposals in excess of a sum determined
by the Council of Assembly and specified in the supplementary provisions
unless it is satisfied that any person or persons engaged in drawing up plans and
specifications for such buildings is or are competent and recognised by the appropriate
industry body.
3. A presbytery must ensure that a registered architect, registered clerk of works or
other competent person acceptable to presbytery carries out inspections at regular
intervals of building proposals involving expenditure in excess of a sum determined
by the Council of Assembly and specified in the supplementary provisions.
4. A presbytery must approve all purchases, sales, exchanges, leases and other transactions
affecting Church property (including Church campsites where appropriate)
within the area for which it has responsibility and in doing so must have regard to
the requirements of the supplementary provisions relating to value and terms of
leases.
5. Before approving any building proposal subject to the requirements of the Trustees,
whether by way of new building, alteration, addition, or purchase of existing buildings
(but not including maintenance), the presbytery must obtain and be satisfied
with the report of the Church Architecture Reference Group on the proposal.
6. Subsection (5) does not apply to any proposal for maintenance of buildings.
7. In exercising its responsibilities for worship and mission through the purchase, development
and sale of sites, the presbytery must consult with the negotiating partners
through the Joint Regional Committee in their region.