Project backed by Ian McKellen and Martin Freeman hopes to raise £4.5m for the purchase, but there are concerns about intentions of Christian groups involved

A charity backed by celebrities including Ian McKellen that is seeking to raise £4.5m to purchase JRR Tolkien’s former home, has denied that the project will be focused on the author’s faith in relation to his works, after concerns were raised about the founders’ intentions.

Project Northmoor was launched last week with support from figures including McKellen, who plays Gandalf in the films of Tolkien’s fantasy novels, and Martin Freeman, who plays Bilbo Baggins. It is not backed by the Tolkien estate, which declined to comment on the project when approached by the Guardian.