Understood to be Freehold. A closed Church of England church is sold under special legal provision. Known as a Pastoral (Church Buildings) Scheme, this is the legal procedure and documentation empowering the Church Commissioners to sell a closed church for a specific use. The sale of the church would, therefore, be subject to the making of such a scheme following a period of public consultation. Further details about the procedures involved may be found on the Commissioners’ website at www.ccpastoral.org.