No church would want to be accused of putting profit before children – so it is hardly surprising that the diocese of Bradford has backed down over plans to build on land used by Guiseley Scout groups.

The diocese has not commented on the issue, so it is impossible to say for sure why the decision was taken to withdraw the controversial planning application.

But there is no doubt about the level of public anger over the scheme which would have seen two houses built on land which has been used by Scouts and Guides for decades.

The application, for a site next to the vicarage, has provoked widespread condemnation, with accusations that the Church is trying to sneak it through under cover of Christmas.

Without knowing the diocese’s side of the story it is hard to understand how they would have been able to justify taking the land away from local youngsters.

But if they hadn’t withdrawn the application they would have been sending out entirely the wrong sort of Christmas message.