The Church of Scientology are up in arms after being told to remove 130ft (40m) of hedge and concealed fencing erected on public land opposite their East Grinstead headquarters in an attempt to disrupt protestors.

Back in September, journalist Tony Ortega reported on The Underground Bunker that government officials had requested the removal of the hedge and gave Scientology 28 days in which to do so. That notice period expired on 21st October, just days before the annual gathering of the ‘International Association of Scientologists’ (IAS) where the Church have historically made use of the hedge to affix a temporary large banner that reads ‘Welcome to Saint Hill’.

Scientology were then given a further 14 day extension, which expired on 4th November however they refused to remove the hedge, claiming the Council had previously given them permission to plant it.

The removal notice was issued after a Highways Arboriculturist visited the site on 19th September and concluded in a report:

– The trees in question are Cupressocyparis leylandii (Leyland Cypress), a conifer species variety that have been planted at a consistent 0.80m from the edge of the carriageway to create a hedge that is 40m in length and now an average of 3-4m tall.

– The hedge appears to be maintained, but unlikely to be by WSCC.

– Immediately to the rear of the hedge is a metal fence and fenceposts, which are suspected to be used to tie the Church’s fabric sign to.

– There is also wooden beam kerbing to the front (carriageway side) of the hedge. Due to the proximity of the trees/hedge, in time they will inevitably push and/or dislodge the beams due to root and trunk growth which will cause a hazard to the highway, and some of them already appear to have done so.

– Maintenance would require an annual hedge trim cut back as a minimum, perhaps even bi-annual, requiring 3-way Traffic Management.

– These trees/hedgerow have the potential to grow to 20m+ in height, with a mature spread of 3-5m.

Highways Arboriculturist report findings after visiting Saint Hill on 19th September 2024

According to site plans submitted by the Church of Scientology in a 2020 planning application, the boundary of their property ends on the southern side of Saint Hill Road and is lined by a small stone wall. Further cross-referencing with official maps held by the Council shows the location of the hedge and fencing, on the north side of the road, is public land and considered part of the highway.

This creates an obstruction to the public right of way, forcing dog walkers and local residents to walk in the road rather than using the verge which borders the highway.

In an email seen by Scientology Business, a Council representative said “consideration has been given to the low value of the trees/hedgerow and their unsuitability for the location, coupled with their proximity to the carriageway and the potential hazards that may arise on the carriageway. The Highways authority has agreed that the trees/hedgerow should be removed along with the removal of the wooden beams and the fence to the rear.” The email continues, “they would be classified as being unauthorised structures.”

After contacting the Council for an update earlier this week, Scientology Business can reveal the highways department are remaining steadfast in their position that the structures must be removed.

A representative told us “I understand that the Church of Scientology have been advised by West Sussex Highways that the trees and fencing do require removal in the interests of the legitimate right of the public to use the highway and that they will be looking to remove the trees sometime in the New Year.”

“However, I must advise you that the Church of Scientology do have the right to lodge a formal complaint and should they wish to exercise their right to do so, this could delay matters until the complaint has been fully investigated.”

Scientology have been facing closer scrutiny recently after the national press reported in a separate issue Mid-Sussex District Council (MSDC) slapped Scientology with a Planning Contravention Notice for the unauthorised erection of a 4,250m² marquee used to host their annual IAS event.

Requesting an update, a planning officer told us “as it stands, there is no enforcement action necessary as the structures have gone […] The Council’s view is that planning enforcement is not punitive and simply seeks to remedy planning harm.”

“In relation to your point about this being an annual occurrence, the Church has advised that they will be seeking planning permission and we will engage with them to ensure that this is sought in time for the 2025 event.”

The issue is now recorded under ‘Planning Enforcements’ on Saint Hill’s property listing on the Mid Sussex District Council planning portal. Scientology are yet to submit a planning application for the structure to be used again at next year’s event, which is expected to take place in October 2025.

Responding to a Daily Mail article about the Planning Contravention Notice, Scientology spokesperson Karin Pouw said “the Church of Scientology at Saint Hill works closely with local authorities to ensure full compliance with local laws and regulations.”

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