The Church of Scientology has been accused of blocking access to public parklands and intimidating residents with security guards and guard dogs.

The church wants to install a vehicle security gate at the entrance of its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Chatswood, which would operate 24 hours a day, and distribute swipe cards to neighbouring residents.

Residents and Willoughby Council have expressed concern about heightened security measures proposed by the Church of Scientology. Credit:Louise Kennerley

The new security measures have been implemented without council approval. They are in response to a “security incident” earlier this year when a Scientology employee was fatally stabbed by a teenager at the church’s headquarters.

Walking trails connect the church’s site, which formerly housed the National Acoustic Laboratory, to the adjoining Lane Cove National Park and Blue Gum Reserve, and members of the public have long been permitted to access the site via two entrances.