The Church of Scientology have paved over approximately 7 acres of agricultural farmland in order to serve as a car park for their upcoming IAS event, despite environmental concerns and lacking permission from the local authority.
Last month, the controversial Church submitted an application which would see the permanent conversion of the field at their UK headquarters near East Grinstead, Sussex into a car park with spaces for over 700 vehicles. The plans include paving over a section of the field to create permanent parking facilities for 121 cars and installing a geo-cell reinforced structure throughout the remainder of the space to allow it to be used for larger events, increasing capacity by an additional 619 vehicles.
The plans are currently pending consideration by Mid-Sussex District Council, though it is unlikely they will be approved after the Conservation Officer and several official bodies, including East Grinstead Town Council, recommended refusal based on concerns it would amount to over-development of the countryside and unjustified permanent destruction of the natural landscape.
Although the application is yet to be reviewed, Scientology have now installed what looks like hard plastic flooring across the entirety of the field in order to accommodate cars travelling to the site ahead of next weekend’s gathering of the International Association of Scientologists (IAS). The covered area spans approximately 311,400 ft², or just over 7 acres, and is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
One of the main concerns voiced by angry local residents is the destruction of wild habitats, including that of the protected Great Crested Newt. West Sussex County Council’s Flood Authority also voiced concerns that inadequate drainage could lead to an increased flood risk in the local area. The temporary covering now in place across the field does not appear to be permeable, and it is unclear whether protections were put in place prior to its construction in order to minimise harm to the local newt population.
The laying of the temporary surface began on 6th October, meaning it has already been in place for over 20 days. With Scientology’s annual event set to take place this time next week, the development appears to breach planning regulations, which only allow temporary changes in use to occur for a maximum of 28 days.
In addition to the new car park, Scientology appear to have breached the conditions of a new Planting Licence granted to install a new hedge on public land directly opposite the entrance to their property. Earlier this year, we reported the local Council ordered the church remove a 130ft hedge and concealed fencing erected by the Church along the verge of Saint Hill Road after it was found to be unlawful and a danger to road users and pedestrians.
Scientology admitted the hedge was placed there in order to obstruct protestors who have previously gathered outside the gates of the property, a saga we dubbed as ‘Hedgegate‘. The church subsequently applied for a licence to reinstate the hedge, which was granted by West Sussex County Council on 24th September. The licence agreement, which has been seen by Scientology Business stipulates the new hedge must be of an approved species, and consist of no more than 35 individual plants, that must be a minimum of 50cm from the edge of the highway.
Instead, they have planted 71 new holly bushes, in places less than 40cm from the highway, spanning 150ft along the verge directly opposite their main entrance. A number of large, concealed holes have also been dug in front of the bush several feet apart for the entirety of its length, presumably to make it difficult for protestors to stand on the verge safely.
According to the planting licence, the hedge must allow a suitable space between the hedge and the highway to act as a “pedestrian refuge”, so that passersby can avoid walking in the road and coming face to face with fast moving traffic.
Despite clear breaches and a lack of due regard for public safety, Scientology are proceeding with their plans to hold a large gathering at Saint Hill next weekend. Known as the IAS event, it is often touted as the “greatest gathering of Scientologists on planet Earth” and involves thousands of parishioners travelling from across the world to hear reclusive leader David Miscavige speak.
Protestors are set to gather outside this year’s event, with permit to march from East Grinstead town centre now granted by Sussex Police. Their message this year is “we come back, and we still care about you”, along with their usual message of “the abuse in Scientology must stop.”
