This statement is released by the Highways, Transport and Planning Working Group on behalf of the Parish Council.
We are aware of the considerable concern within our community regarding the apparent plan by the Clifton Catholic Diocese to sell the Church of the Good Shepherd for development. We want to update you on the steps we have taken and the Parish Council’s position.
Batheaston Parish Council has repeatedly approached the Diocese to explore the possibility of purchasing the building and land at fair market value, with a view to future community use. The Diocese has reminded us of its fiduciary obligations and advised that once a price is set by their agent, they will inform us.
The Parish Council has formally opposed the current planning application (ref. 23/03753/FUL), both on its merits and as a step towards a sale. You can read our most recent comments here (these were submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council, B&NES, in May 2025).
We have recently applied to register the Church of the Good Shepherd as a Community Asset. If this is granted by B&NES, it would suspend any sale of the Church for a period of 6 months, during which a community organisation would be able to come forward with a bid. Note however that the Diocese are under no obligation to accept a community offer; we would expect that they would still be obliged to take the highest bid. Parish Councillors are also mindful that making a competitive bid and having funds to renovate and perhaps repurpose the building would be a significant achievement. The Parish Council has neither the funds nor the powers to undertake such a project.
The Parish Council is currently under-resourced, with nine councillors out of a full complement of fifteen. This inevitably limits our capacity. However, we remain ready to participate in and support any community initiative to acquire the Church.
Parish Councillors: Catherine McCarthy, Arif Butt, Peter Lewis