Plans to redevelop part of the Church of Scientology’s UK headquarters in Sussex were shot down by local Councillors last night, who voted to reject their application due to concerns around its potential impact on the local area.
In order to facilitate the annual gathering of the International Association of Scientologists (IAS), an extravagant three-day event hosted by reclusive leader David Miscavige, Scientology are seeking permission to build a new entrance, car park, toilet block and install the permanent infrastructure needed to erect a temporary 45,000 square foot marquee on the grounds of their UK headquarters.
Saint Hill, once the home of founder L. Ron Hubbard, is situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and officials last night voiced concerns about the impact such a major development project would have on the surrounding countryside and nearby protected ancient woodland.
Speaking at yesterday’s meeting of the East Grinstead Town Council Planning Committee, Councillor Lee Gibbs described the development as “substantial”, explaining “I wouldn’t want it to set a precedent in terms of green spaces and changing their function completely.”
Echoing his concerns, former Mayor Steve Ody said the proposed toilet facilities and permanent marquee infrastructure were “a material change in the use of the field” and recommended the application was refused for the “protection and enhancement of the countryside.”
The Council subsequently voted to reject Scientology’s plans in a humiliating blow to their largest annual fundraising event.
Since the meeting, over 100 letters of support have been submitted by Scientologists to Mid-Sussex District Council, who will make the final decision on whether to approve the works.
Meanwhile the church have proceeded with their preparations for this year’s event, which expected to take place next month and will see thousands of parishioners travel from across Europe to hear Miscavige speak and advance to their next level in the IAS tiered donation system. A mammoth 45,000 square foot marquee has been erected on the property despite lacking the required permissions, something Mid-Sussex District Council are treating as a breach in planning laws. Although the pending application mentions infrastructure to support the temporary marquee’s construction, it stops short of asking for permission for the tent itself.
East Grinstead’s move to oppose Scientology’s plans comes as a surprise to local residents and former members who have previously raised concerns about the Council’s close alignment with the controversial Church. Last year, a Daily Mail investigation revealed a number of Councillors and former Mayors had accepted gifts and hospitality from Saint Hill, including invitations to a red carpet Mission Impossible premiere and the opportunity to meet celebrity Scientologist Tom Cruise.
The application is currently open to public consultation with comments being accepted through the Mid Sussex District Council planning portal or via email (planninginfo@midsussex.gov.uk), referencing application number DM/25/2223.
UPDATE 25th September 2025:
East Grinstead Town Council’s recommendation has is now available on the Mid Sussex planning portal, in which they denounce the proposal as constituting a “major development that would not conserve or enhance the natural beauty, tranquillity of the AONB” and would “significantly outweigh any claimed benefits.”
This planning application was contrary to the following adopted planning policies conflicting with Mid Sussex District Plan policies DP12 (Protection and Enhancement of the Countryside) and DP16 (High Weald AONB).
The scale of permanent car parking and associated infrastructure constitutes major development that would not conserve or enhance the natural beauty, tranquillity of the AONB, DP37 (Trees, Woodland and Hedgerows), DP38 (Biodiversity) by introducing permanent urbanising features into open countryside, harming the character and tranquillity of the High Weald AONB, eroding biodiversity and landscape value.
This planning application was inconsistent with the East Grinstead Neighbourhood Plan, in particular EG1 (Protection of the High Weald AONB), which resists major development in the AONB except in exceptional circumstances and the public interest, EG5 (Protection of Landscape Character), EG6 (Natural Environment) and EG7 (Sustainable Infrastructure).
Taken together, the adverse impacts significantly outweigh any claimed benefits, and the application should therefore be refused
East Grinstead Town Council’s recommendation to Mid-Sussex District Council (DM/25/2223)
