A Garff commissioner has threatened to resign following a dispute about a proposal to redevelop a former church.

Board member Stewart Clague has made a public statement after he was judged as having ’personal interests’ and asked to leave a meeting about the future of All Saints’ Church in Lonan.

His statement was made in response to Garff Commissioners after the discussion on November 15.

The local authority has proposed that the closed church should be developed into a community centre.

Mr Clague wrote in his declaration: ’If I am not allowed to represent the people who voted me into office, then the only right thing to do is to stand down so that another Lonan resident can take my place on the Garff board.’

The commissioners have asked for ’a written definition of his conflict of interest’ during its latest meeting last week.

Mr Clague replied saying that he had asked an architect for ’professional guidance’ on the project, offered his time ’free of any change to oversee and organise’ work using the Manx Accredited Construction Scheme and produced a business plan to support the ’startup cost’.

He added: ’I also have never, whilst on the commissioners, taken attendance allowance or expenses as a personal donation.

’I do agree that I was passionate about creating a new Lonan Community Centre and saving this historical building for future generations. I firmly believe that it should be preserved, just like the other iconic buildings on the island.’

Garff Commissioners have said they will be drafting a new proposal to refurbish the building, which closed in 2014 due to fire risks caused by electrical faults. The building dates back to 1834.

Mr Clague said: ’What has been negotiated is the transfer of the All Saints’ Church building for a nominal sum of £50 from the Church of England diocese.

’This comes with the unprecedented offer by the diocese to return all the congregation funds, some £67,000, for the specific purpose of converting the building to a community facility.

’If this opportunity is lost, so will the £67,000, as the funds are not available for any other purpose and will leave the island,’ he explained.

’It is frustrating that a small handful of unelected social media users are creating confusion to the points that have been discussed in great detail at both the public and the commissioners’ meetings.’

Stewart Clague’s full statement is available on Garff Commissioners’ website.