West Sussex Highways denounce “open-ended” Scientology HQ application

In the latest blow to Scientology’s plans to expand their UK headquarters near East Grinstead, Sussex the local Highways Authority have submitted a letter calling the application “insufficient” and “open-ended”, demanding further information before approval is granted.

After receiving a Planning Contravention Notice in 2024 and failing to obtain a Lawful Development Certificate last year, the Church of Scientology have been seeking to ratify the annual erection of several large marquees used to host the annual gathering of their official membership body, the International Association of Scientologists (IAS). The plans include the creation of a permanent mega car park for close to 1,000 vehicles and temporary structures measuring 85,000 sq ft. The whole development spans over 5 hectares (a quarter of a million square feet) and is situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty, alarming conservationists and generating objections from the local town council.

Now, West Sussex Highways have written in to raise their concerns about the project. In a letter submitted to the local planning authority, Highways officers argue “as submitted, the application appears to be seeking an open-ended permission to use the land to hold a range of unspecified events on the land and within the church of any scale for any length of time.” It concludes the information provided so far is “insufficient to fully understand the potential impact of the proposals.”

In their statement, Highways raise several serious concerns about public safety that arise from the annual IAS gathering, noting “the opportunities to access site by walking are limited because of its rural setting, with no provision of footways or street lighting.”

Thousands of faithful Scientologists travel from across the world to hear reclusive leader David Miscavige speak and the event causes severe disruption to the local area. Last year’s event saw widespread media coverage drawing attention to complaints from residents about “excessive bagpipe music” being played over loudspeakers and Tom Cruise flying in low on his helicopter.

The event itself is set for government scrutiny tomorrow after an application to review Scientology’s Premises Licence was submitted to Mid-Sussex District Council.

Meanwhile, the local Tree Officer has also raised concerns about the impact the proposed development would have on ancient woodland located on the property.

“For ancient woodlands, the proposal should have a buffer zone of at least 15 metres from the boundary of the woodland to avoid root damage (known as the root protection area). Where assessment shows other impacts are likely to extend beyond this distance, the proposal is likely to need a larger buffer zone. For example, the effect of air pollution from development that results in a significant increase in traffic.”

You can read both representations below, in full: