THE future of Wolvesey Palace, the historic home of the Bishop of Winchester, is up for review.
The Church Commissioners will visit in April and are considering the future of all bishops' homes when the incumbent is over 62.
The Rt Rev Michael Scott-Joynt, the bishop since 1995, is 64.
The subject of bishops' homes has been a contentious national issue with some in the Church of England arguing that the many large houses and mansions should be sold off and the money invested in pastoral care.
In a statement, the commissioners said: "All houses are now assessed in consultation with the relevant diocese when the bishop reaches 62.
"This age has been selected to allow a minimum of three years to locate a suitable alternative house should the present house be deemed unsuitable.
"The review was approved by the Church Commissioners and the House of Bishops in 2005 and since then the commissioners have been undertaking a number of reviews as many bishops currently in place are older than 62."
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