Event area and car parking at Juhring And Hobbs Field At Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead

Planning history and amendments

The fields have been used for temporary unauthorised events and a previous application for annual marquees was refused in July 2025.

“Planning permission is sought for a change of use and associated works on two vacant grass fields adjacent to Saint Hill Manor to form a car parking area of up to 683 spaces and an events area for a single event related to the Church, including the annual erection of a temporary marquee with supporting infrastructure.”

“DM/25/1292 – Lawful development application for the annual erection of large temporary marquees. Refused 25 th July 2025.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Highways, ecology, trees, landscape, drainage and environmental protection consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while conservation officers objected over heritage harm.

“MSDC Tree Officer No objection subject to conditions. MSDC Environmental Protection No objection subject to planning condition relating to noise management plan for events construction hours, car parking hours, air quality. MSDC Landscape Consultants No objection. Accepts the conclusion of the submitted landscape visual impact assessment which has been undertaken in accordance with the required guidelines. This states that:”

“Overall, it is considered that the magnitude of the landscape effects on the National Landscape as a whole, would be Slight adverse, which would be of Moderate-Minor significance” MSDC Ecology Consultant There are no ecological grounds for refusal. No objection subject to maintenance of a 15 m buffer zone from the ancient woodland and condition requiring ecological mitigation and biodiversity. WSCC Highways No objection.”

Officer report

What people said

Eighteen objections cited landscape, heritage, traffic, noise, wildlife, environmental and countryside concerns, while 271 supporters cited economic, cultural, safety and parking benefits.

“Impact on AONB. • Impact on landscape character of area with such large structures. • Noise Disturbance. • Adverse impact on wildlife. • Increase in traffic puts undue pressure on local roads. • The marquee is an unauthorised use that does not benefit from planning permission.”

“Economic and cultural benefits to local community • Events are well attended and bring large numbers of visitors • Improve and address existing parking issues from the church events and support Rugby and Sports Clubs • No adverse impact on biodiversity • Improve event safety • Facilitate the international event…”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

The planning team leader introduced the application and drew members’ attention to an additional supporting letter, an objection and minor updates.

The committee vote

Members approved the recommendations with eight votes in favour, one against and two abstentions.

“The Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendations in the report. These were approved with 8 in favour, 1 against and 2 abstentions.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was approved subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A.

“Planning permission was approved subject to the conditions outlined at Appendix A.”

Minutes