55Functions of mission and pastoral committee concerning buildings closed for regular public worship
(1)The mission and pastoral committee shall be under a duty, in respect of each building proposed to be closed or closed for regular public worship (except where it is proposed to close a building and make provision for the future of the building under section 58)—
(a)in the case of a listed building or a building situated in a conservation area, to make every endeavour to find a suitable alternative use or suitable alternative uses for the building, and
(b)in the case of any other building, to develop proposals for the suitable alternative use or uses of the building or for the demolition of the building and disposal of its site.
(2)In carrying out its functions under this section the mission and pastoral committee shall obtain advice from the Commissioners, persons having expertise in the management, development and disposal of property and such other professional advisers as it thinks fit.
(3)The mission and pastoral committee shall report to the Commissioners at such times as it thinks appropriate on the progress made in discharging its duties under subsection (1) and, in any case, within the period of six months from its last report, and also when required to do so by the Commissioners.
(4)When the mission and pastoral committee has found a suitable alternative use or suitable alternative uses for the building or has reached the conclusion that no such use can be found or has developed proposals in accordance with subsection (1)(b) it shall report to the Commissioners with its recommendations or proposals.
(5)The Commissioners may, in the case of any building closed for regular public worship, require the mission and pastoral committee to refer the case to them and, thereupon, the duties under subsection (1) shall be discharged by the Commissioners instead of the committee, but the Commissioners shall, in carrying out that duty, consult the committee.