Question

To ask the right hon. Member for Meriden, representing the Church Commissioners, pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2018 to Question 131116 on Churches: Blackburn, what assessment has been made of the potential merits of drafting contracts for church spires and towers to host broadband and mobile facilities which take into account circumstances in which Church authorities subsequently wish to demolish such buildings to make alternative use of Church land.

The Cathedral and Church Buildings Division of the Archbishops’ Council and the Church of England’s Parish Buying team are currently drafting guidance for those parishes that wish to engage with the project. Agreements will be entered into on a parish-by-parish basis. The guidance being produced for parishes will include advice on termination of contracts arising from the closure of a church.