The Church of Scientology has been given permission to set up an events arena at its East Grinstead home.
The Church of Scientology has been given permission to set up an events arena at its East Grinstead home.
An application to change the use of two fields at Saint Hill Manor was given the nod by Mid Sussex District Council’s planning committee on Thursday (July 9).
The approval will allow the church to erect a temporary marquee for up to 84 days per year, including its Annual International Gathering, which attracts more than 6,000 people from around the world.
The changes will see reinforced ground surfacing installed, a wash block, toilets, generator enclosure and concrete ring built, an internal road added, and one of the access roads onto Saint Hill Road improved.
Overflow parking, made up of cellular paving grids to reinforce the ground, will be allowed for 113 cars 30 days per year, 313 cars 13 days per year, and 683 cars no more than seven days per year.
The council received 18 letters of objection to the plans and 271 letters of support.
Concerns were raised about noise, the impact on wildlife, and the impact on the landscape character of area. But supporters pointed to the economic and cultural benefits, and the way overflow parking would address problems caused by people parking along nearby roads during church events.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) lodged an objection, describing the proposals as ‘inappropriate’ in the countryside and High Weald National Landscape.
Not everyone on the committee supported the plans – which were approved by eight votes to one with two abstentions.
John Dabell (Con, East Grinstead Town) pointed out that the area was protected land and that ‘one way or the other’ the Scientologists had managed to ‘find a way to do what they want on it’.
Raising concerns that the temporary marquee would later ‘become something else’, he added: “They’re entitled to do whatever they want to do on their particular territory but it’s the extension of this into this area that has my concern.”
But there also was a lot of support for the application. Several councillors, including chair Gary Marsh (Con, Ardingly, Balcombe & Turners Hill), were particularly pleased that the overflow car parking would ease parking issues and help with drainage on the field.
Following the meeting, church member Graeme Wilson said: “This approval represents another milestone in our long-standing commitment to sustainable growth while delivering genuine value to East Grinstead and the wider Sussex community.
“We’re thrilled to continue welcoming thousands of international visitors who come to Saint Hill to learn, connect, and contribute positively to the region.”
To view the application, log on to pa.midsussex.gov.uk and search for DM/25/2223.
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