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Written question asked by Luke Charters (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 July 2026. It was answered by Marsha De Cordova (Labour) on Thursday, 9 July 2026 on behalf of the Church Commissioners.


Church Commissioners: Land

Question

To ask the hon. Member for Battersea, representing the Church Commissioners, what consultation the Church Commissioners carried out with tenant farmers and local communities before deciding to market land east of York for sale.

Answer

The Church Commissioners’ property referred to in the question, from the Hon Member for York Outer, relates to the ongoing marketing for sale of approximately 1,600 acres of land at Scoreby, east of York. The Church Commissioners Property Team informed all affected farm tenants directly and in person. This followed a number of years of strategic discussions between the Commissioners' investment team, our tenants and our managing agents regarding the future of the estate and its long-term management.

The Church Commissioners have responded to all enquiries received in connection with the sale and continue to engage with farm tenants and their professional advisers regarding the progress of the marketing process and relevant estate management matters. The Commissioners also remain in contact with relevant industry bodies to maintain open lines of communication and as part of their ongoing stewardship responsibilities. The marketing process remains ongoing


It is not the Church Commissioners’ established practice to consult neighbouring landowners, community groups or other local stakeholders in advance of bringing property to the market. Decisions to sell property are taken in accordance with the Church Commissioners’ investment strategy and fiduciary responsibilities, which support the mission and ministry of the Church of England.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
14717
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Church Commissioners Land Public consultation York Sales
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk