Mid-Sussex District Council agrees to redact residents’ information over Scientology safety concerns

Sussex residents unhappy about plans for a major redevelopment of Scientology’s UK headquarters will have their names and addresses redacted from the public record after concerns were raised about potential harassment by the controversial organisation.

Plans are currently open for public comment after Scientology requested permission to build a new entrance, a giant car park – which would become the largest in Mid-Sussex – and infrastructure to support the erection of a 45,000 square foot marquee at their Saint Hill compound near East Grinstead. The property is located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and residents have expressed concerns over the development, but feared speaking out in light of Scientology’s reputation for attacking critics.

‘Fair Game’, as it is known, is Scientology’s practice of using intimidation tactics to silence those it deems ‘enemies of the church’ and has been well documented over the years. Although Scientology claim the policy was cancelled years ago, dozens of former members continue to find themselves the target of sustained and prolific campaigns of harassment – especially online – as a result of speaking out.

This meant that residents in East Grinstead found themselves scared of leaving comments opposing Scientology’s latest development plans, in case they too found themselves targeted by the so-called Church.

Recognising Scientology’s reputation, Mid-Sussex District Council have now confirmed they will redact any personal identifiable information from comments left on their planning portal in relation to Saint Hill’s construction plans.

“We normally redact names and email addresses from representations that appear on the public website but leave the home address visible,” a Council representative told Scientology Business. “In this instance, we will also redact home addresses. We would advise those making representations to avoid including within the body of their correspondence any identifying information as this will not be redacted. In any case, personal information of that nature is unlikely to be treated as a material planning consideration for the application, such as their experience with the Church and their interactions. The officer report will note the number of responses received from local residents who are directly affected by the proposals as that would be material to the consideration of the application.”

Those wishing to comment on the application can do so via the website or by emailing planninginfo@midsussex.gov.uk referencing Scientology’s application number (DM/25/2223).

The submitted proposals ask for permission to create a new entrance and car park just off Saint Hill Road, to the north of their main compound as well a new toilet block, substation and concealed concrete blocks that would enable the construction of a mammoth temporary marquee each year for their annual IAS event.

The application stops short of requesting permission for the marquee itself, which is now once again in place ahead of next month’s gathering of the International Association of Scientologists (IAS). The event is one of Scientology’s largest fundraisers and is regularly attended by celebrities including Tom Cruise and Bart Simpson voice actress Nancy Cartwright. Last year, the Council issued a Planning Contravention Notice and advised the Church to apply for permission before starting construction in the future. This advice has subsequently been ignored and it is understood the Council are now looking at taking enforcement action against this year’s unauthorised structure.