On 9th July 2026, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha De Cordova MP, gave the following written answer to a question from an MP:
Church Commissioners: Land
Mr Luke Charters MP (Lab, York Outer): 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.
Marsha De Cordova MP (Lab, Battersea): 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.
The Church of England in Parliament 
You must be logged in to post a comment.