Mid-Sussex District Council have launched an investigation into a major construction project that is currently underway at the Church of Scientology’s UK headquarters.
A field in the rural Sussex countryside near East Grinstead has been transformed into a major construction site as Scientology prepare for the annual gathering of their membership body, the International Association of Scientologists (IAS).
The three-day event rakes in millions of dollars for the controversial Church and usually takes place over a weekend some time in October. It consists of a lengthy speech from reclusive leader David Miscavige, a black-tie ‘Patrons Ball’ dinner and a charity concert and is attended by thousands of Scientologists who travel from across Europe for the occasion.
Last year in response to a failed bid to ban protesting outside the gathering, Council observers assessed the impact the event had on the local area and noted poor traffic management, a lack of safety precautions and loud bagpipe music being played at the entrance to the property as causing disruption.
In order to host the event, Scientology construct a mammoth 45,000 square foot marquee in a field to the rear of Saint Hill Castle, despite being situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Last year, Mid-Sussex District Council issued a Planning Contravention Notice for the unauthorised structure, warning Scientology they must apply for planning permission ahead of the next year’s event. The church subsequently filed an application for a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC), arguing that the marquee has been used for a period exceeding 10 years and is therefore exempt from planning laws. However, the application was denied as the building was temporary in nature and has not been in consistent use for the time period required for the 10-year rule to apply.
Despite the warnings from the local authority, Scientology have pushed on with their plans for the 2025 event and began construction in mid-August without applying for planning permission.
Outraged local residents have submitted complaints to the Council and are sending regular updates to Scientology Business on how things are progressing on the site, with drone photography illustrating the sheer scale of the project, which dwarfs nearby buildings.
In response, local councillors have called on the planning department to take action, with one official telling us “I have raised the concerns with the relevant council officers asking what steps/ action they are taking in respect of the work being undertaken. […] I have said I will be grateful for a prompt reply as of course this is a live activity.”
And now, a Mid-Sussex District Council planning enforcement officer has confirmed an investigation has been opened into the unauthorised construction works.
Due to the property’s location in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Saint Hill is subject to a greater level of Council scrutiny in order to protect the environment, local wildlife and habitats from harm. As part of the planning application process, consultations are typically held with experts who assess the impact the building may have on the local area before permission is granted for works to begin. However, Scientology have yet to submit an application and the marquee is set for completion in the next couple of weeks.
It is unclear how long it will take the Council to reach a decision on the outcome of their investigation, but based on the fact a Planning Contravention Notice was issued last year it is likely Scientology will find themselves in hot water for audaciously continuing with the project without the required permissions.
The date for the event itself is yet to be announced, however Scientologists are being encouraged to reserve the entire month of October in preparation.
