CHRISTCHURCH Priory’s vacant vicarage is still lying empty following a review of the building last year.

The Diocese of Winchester conducted a survey of the Quay Road property after the Reverend Canon Hugh Williams left to ensure it was appropriate for future ministry needs and to identify any maintenance issues.

But more than six months on, with the large 19th century building still lying empty, concerns have been raised by Christchurch MP Christopher Chope, about the house which has nine bedrooms, a double garage and large garden.

The Conservative backbencher asked second church estates commissioner Tony Baldry MP to ‘drum some common sense and economic sense into the diocese’.

He asked whether they should be paying £2,000 a month to rent alternative accommodation, several miles from the Priory, when the vicarage lies empty.

But Mr Baldry said the newly appointed priest in charge, Reverend Christopher Mann, has been housed temporarily in a rented property as the diocese is looking to replace the expensive vicarage with a ‘more suitable property’.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Winchester said: “The review of the building has taken place and it has been considered by the relevant committees and the options closely evaluated.

“The Christchurch parsonage was found to be a very large building, twice the size recommended, and very expensive for both the Diocese to maintain and for an occupier to run.

“As a result of this comprehensive review, a rented property had been secured to temporarily house the new priest-in-charge.

“The Diocese believes this is good stewardship of our resources and the decision has followed a detailed review. The evaluation undertaken has concluded that any temporary cost increase in the short term will result in considerable benefit in the longer term.”