Brampton Abbotts Parochial Church Council has responded to the report issued by the BAcRG, and the Daily Bread project at Brampton Abbotts Church, near Ross-on-Wye, after they withdrew their planning application.

They said: "The recent statement issued by BAcRG dated 9th December 2019 was premature in the same way the planning application was. To attempt to scapegoat the PCC deflects attention from the deficiencies in the application, and the manner in which it was submitted. The PCC must legally seek to do what is in the best interests of its asset, but it will continue to support and promote the aim of restoring life to St Michael and All Angels."

The PCC said that the scope of the planning application was far wider than had been revealed in any of the public statements put out by BAcRG and, they told the Ross Gazette: "Not surprisingly, this generated a long list of objections from residents in all parts of the village."

They added: "It is evident from the way that members of the PCC have engaged with the multiple fund-raising activities promoted by BAcRG over the summer of 2019 that they support and promote the aim of restoring life to St Michael and All Angels church."

As charitable trustees, the PCC has certain legal obligations it must fulfil and they will take advice from a chartered surveyor before deciding on a course of action.

They added: "The PCC hopes that through respectful dialogue with all parties involved in the project, a constructive, mutually beneficial way forward may be found.”