We call on the Government to strengthen planning and heritage protections for historic church buildings at risk of closure or commercial redevelopment, including legal requirements for councils to prioritise community, charitable, cultural, heritage, or faith based uses wherever possible.

Church buildings have long supported communities through worship, food banks, youth work, counselling, charity activities, and public events. As more churches close, many historic buildings risk what we believe is unsuitable commercial redevelopment, that could damage their heritage and remove valuable community spaces. We ask the Government to strengthen planning policies, guidance and protections, so councils are legally required to prioritise community, charitable, cultural, heritage, educational, or faith based uses wherever practical.