Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at [email protected] if you cannot find an answer to your question.
No planning permission is not required as there is no permanent change in the use of the land. Working collaboratively with your Local Authority can help to reassure nearby residents and others who may be concerned.
It is good practice to discuss the intention to offer a sanctuary stopping space with the relevant insurer. As part of doing this, think ahead of potential risks and consider how these will/have been addressed. (See "How Does It Work" for more complete discussion). In general, insurers will cover most activities. The question of whether an additional premium is required, and how much this may be, will be linked to the consideration of risk. For example, several churches are involved each winter in providing night sleeping spaces for homeless people and additional insurance charges are affordable.
Your local authority may already have documentation explaining clearly how negotiated stopping will work and providing information about services and agencies. It is helpful for the (PCC) Parochial Church Council, (or other appropriate governing body) to be familiar with this. The PCC may wish to discuss with the council the option of including a page of welcome and specific information about the church/land offered as a sanctuary stopping space
It is important to consider what the charge will be for. Local authorities may have a policy for asking for a contribution towards their costs (e.g., refuse collection, sanitation, monitoring, water provision). Charging a fee changes the relationship between the landowner and the people requiring a stopping place. Practical issues arise, such as how a fee will be collected and recorded. Many GRT people have a Christian faith and may wish to offer a donation in response to hospitality.
