THE Church of Scientology has said it plans to establish a “large new centre” in Old Trafford.

The church wants to turn the disused essence distillery on Chester Road in Clifford into “a place of worship and religious instruction”.
A planning application was withdrawn when the council expressed concerns about parking and the proper procedure for applying for planning permission for a Grade II-listed building, but the church says it will be resubmitted.

Graeme Wilson, public affairs director for the Church of Scientology, said: “I can confirm that the plan is to use the building as a Church of Scientology. A new planning application and a listed building consent will be filed once the new layout is finalised as requested by planning.

“In response to increasing interest in Scientology’s practical solutions to life’s problems, and in our social improvement programmes – tackling and preventing drug addiction, criminality and illiteracy – the Church of Scientology is establishing large new centres in major cities around the world, and Manchester is one of the priority cities for having such a centre.”

The planning application stated up to 250 people could visit the site at any one time, once the building is fully operational, and it is intended that the building be open from 9am until 10pm.

The Church of Scientology was founded by science fiction writer L Ron Hubbard in 1952, and describes itself as: “The study and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, others and all of life.” The church has attracted many famous faces, including Tom Cruise and John Travolta.

In 2005 Trafford Council denied Narconon, a drug rehabilitation programme supported by the church, access to its classrooms due to concerns about the methods used.

Scientology is viewed as a cult by  the German government, which keeps its members under constant intelligence surveillance.

Mr Wilson said: “Narconon operates from its own centres, as it is a secular programme. The (existing Scientology) Church in Manchester and individual scientologists do support the programme in various ways, as well as conducting the church’s own Say No To Drugs, Say Yes To Life awareness campaign.”

Michael Linell is the director of communications at Lifeline, a Manchester charity that works with people affected by drug and alcohol abuse. He said: “If the church of Scientology are just saying they want to help people with these problems full stop, then I can’t see a problem with it – there are lots of religious groups that do very good work.

“But if it is part of a recruitment drive, particularly as you are talking about very vulnerable people, that could be a problem. I would expect them to adhere to the sort of strict policies used by charities like Lifeline when it comes to working with people with drug addiction, otherwise it could be quite dangerous.”

Stretford and Urmston MP Beverley Hughes, who sits on the Cabinet as Minister for Children, Young People and Families, said: “I am extremely concerned at the prospect of a Church of Scientology centre in Old Trafford. I gather the planning application has been withdrawn.

“However, I will be looking closely at any plans that are resubmitted and in principle I do not believe that this organisation has anything positive to offer young people in our area.” Clifford ward Councillor Andrea Jones says she feels there needs to be an open discussion about the effects such a centre may have on the local community.

She said: “We have a lovely community here, but it does have its fair share of problems and there are quite a few vulnerable people.” Chief planning officer Simon Castle said the council will take any planning applications on face value, regardless of the religious group involved.

“The actual use is the same – it is a place of worship, education and training,” he said.