Film studio proposals in Buckinghamshire face cancellation, despite backing from Hollywood
Marlow Film Studios Seeks Community Support Amidst Planning Delay
In a bid to establish a film industry hub in Buckinghamshire, Marlow Film Studios is actively engaging with the community to gain support for their proposal, despite being denied planning permission by the local council.
The proposal, which was submitted in October 2023, has garnered significant attention and support. Over 5,200 people wrote letters of endorsement for the project, and even director James Cameron, known for movies like Titanic and Avatar, has expressed his backing.
However, the council deferred its decision on the film studio proposal in October 2023, citing concerns about Green Belt land and the local road network. Save Marlow's Green Belt, one of the campaign groups that have backed the council's decision, argues that the proposed studio site isn't fit for use.
Despite the setback, Robert Laycock, CEO of Marlow Film Studios, remains optimistic. He stated that the team is considering its next steps, without revealing any new details. Laycock previously mentioned that the proposal would bring significant social and economic benefits to Buckinghamshire.
The broader Marlow International site, which includes office space and potential alternative uses like film studios, is currently up for sale, attracting interest from developers interested in industrial, data centers, film studios, and residential uses. This suggests that while the specific planning permission was denied, there remains significant development interest in the area that could include film-related uses in the future.
During a meeting, over 100 people turned up in person to show their support for the proposal. Many members on the committee acknowledged the quality of the application and the benefits it would bring. However, concerns about the proposal's impact on Green Belt land and the local road network were raised.
The government has also shown involvement, with a decision to "call in" the development, which typically means the government is reviewing or intervening in the local planning decision. This reflects ongoing contention and advocacy around the project.
As Marlow Film Studios continues to seek community support and consider its next steps, the future of film production in Buckinghamshire remains uncertain but promising.
- A concerned resident, worried about the weather implications, asked during the meeting, "What measures will be taken to ensure the movie sets won't contribute to flood risks, given the area's history of severe weather?"
- In the future, if the housing demands increase, the repurposed Marlow International site, with its potential for residential uses, could serve as an affordable housing solution for Buckinghamshire residents.
