The Situation. The Beechen Cliff Methodist Church and Hall are being sold on the open market. Built in the early 20th century, the church has seen the loss of its congregation and the buildings have become increasingly difficult for the Methodist Church to sustain.
The Problem. The buildings, in particular the Community Hall, have become a central part of the Bear Flat community. It hosts a well regarded children’s nursey – Green Shoots – and is the focus of the monthly community market, repair café and community teas as well as keep-fit classes.
It is quite possible that this will be lost.
The BFA Position. The BFA’s position, in line with its constitutional charitable objectives, is to try and maintain the community assets associated with the church and hall.
The BFA is unlikely to be in a position to buy the site but it will work with all interested parties to explore ways to continue its community use.
So what has the BFA done? In 2025, in order to reinforce the value of the property to the community, the BFA applied to B&NES Council for Asset of Community Value (ACV) listing for the premises with the support of the Methodist Church. This was subsequently granted.
This has a two-fold purpose.
It signals to would-be purchasers the community value that the neighbourhood and
council place in the site.
It also secures a period in which no sale can be agreed, giving time for the community
to raise funds to purchase the site or otherwise consider its options. This period comes to
an end in October 2026.
Events
18 Dec 2025: Asset of Community Value (ACV) listing granted
20 April 2026: Decision to sell the church announced
13 May 2026: Open meeting arranged by BFA for the neighbourhood. A summary and transcript of the meeting can be found here: Transcript-of-the-Open-Meeting-13th-May.pdf
22 May 2026: BFA submits the ACV Expression of Interest, triggering the ACV moratorium period
7 June 2026: Methodist Church announces the selection of its sales agent. The agent is James Pyle and Co: https://jamespyle.co.uk/
We will update this page with latest news and information as available to us.