Marlow film studios get the go ahead
The Government has ruled the studio complex can go ahead despite the county council rejecting the plans
Residents and politicians have reacted with anger to a government decision to approve the Marlow Film Studios.
The decision, overturns Buckinghamshire Council’s earlier refusal and gives Dido Property Ltd permission to build a major new film and TV production complex.
The ruling follows a public inquiry, and a subsequent government review.
Campagin group, Save Marlow’s Greenbelt said they were disappointed by the decision.
They said: “We believe the development will cause significant and lasting harm to the environment, the local community, and the landscape.
“Throughout this process, our detailed analysis of the film industry and the developer’s claims exposed numerous material weaknesses and errors in their case which, in our view, should have resulted in refusal.
“The inquiry report itself acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding both the need for the studio and its projected economic contribution.
“We therefore respectfully disagree with the Secretary of State’s conclusion that such speculative benefits outweigh the clear and substantial harm.
“This marks the end of a long campaign in which SMG took part in two planning committee meetings and a major public inquiry. We will continue to defend Marlow’s green belt against inappropriate development.”
Marlow’s MP Joy Morrissey, said she was “deeply disappointed and angered” by the decision.
“The people of Marlow made their views unequivocally clear,” she said. “As did Buckinghamshire Council: this development is not wanted here.
“This decision threatens the integrity of our Green Belt and sets a worrying precedent for the future.
“This is not the end of the fight, and I will be speaking with local groups to discuss the next steps.”
Buckinghamshire Councillor for Marlow, Anna Crabtree added that she was also “hugely disappointed” by the governments decision.
She said: “Having spent years campaigning to protect our county park from inappropriate development, I am hugely disappointed that the government have just approved planning for the Marlow Film Studio.
“This is the direct result of ill-thought-out planning changes and poor decision making, which threaten to destroy our green spaces.”
But Robert Laycock, CEO of the studios welcomed the decision.
He said: “For Buckinghamshire, this is a powerful vote of confidence in the coming generations.
“Regenerating a poorly landfilled site to enable new careers and pass on exceptional skills in this world-beating British industry is the right decision.
“It’s a signal to investors who aim for high quality development, done in the right way, through outstanding design that brings sustainable opportunities and benefits to their community.
“The decision is clear in its assessment that Marlow Studios will attract global investment, help the UK maintain its competitive creative edge, and will strengthen the West London film cluster.”
In an exclusive interview earlier this year, Lisa Nandy, secretary of state for culture, media and sport, voiced strong support for the Marlow Film Studios, describing it as a project with ‘great economic benefit’.