{"id":287444,"date":"2025-11-28T06:59:07","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T06:59:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/287444\/"},"modified":"2025-11-28T06:59:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T06:59:07","slug":"wilkinsoneyre-film-studio-approved-by-planning-minister-after-local-refusal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/287444\/","title":{"rendered":"WilkinsonEyre film studio approved by planning minister after local refusal"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a decision taken yesterday (26 November), housing and planning minister Matthew Pennycook overruled Buckinghamshire Council to push through a 168,000m2\u00a0production facility for film and TV on a former\u00a0gravel extraction site<\/a>\u00a0in Marlow.<\/p>\n

The project, for developer Dido Property, was rejected in May 2024 over concerns about building on green-belt land. The then housing secretary Angela Rayner decided to call in the application<\/a>, which the planning inspectorate described as a development of \u2018major importance\u2019 with \u2018more than local significance\u2019.<\/p>\n

In his ruling, Pennycook said the \u2018world-class, Grade A, purpose-built film studios would attract global revenue and support the UK in its drive to become a global leader in this field\u2019 as well as delivering \u2018facilities to be used for educational community uses, private hire and cultural events\u2019.<\/p>\n

Buckinghamshire cabinet member for planning Peter Strachan said the council was \u2018incredibly disappointed\u2019 by the decision, and pointed to \u2018serious and unresolved issues\u2019 which included the \u2018inappropriate\u2019 development of protected green belt land, concerns around landscape impact, residential amenities, traffic, infrastructure and sustainability.<\/p>\n

Strachan continued: \u2018We recognise the importance of supporting the UK\u2019s creative industries and welcome investment that brings genuine benefits to our communities.<\/p>\n

\u2018However, we believe that such development must be delivered in the right place, with the right infrastructure, and in a way that respects the environment, local character and protects our residents\u2019 amenities.\u2019<\/p>\n

The Marlow proposals include six sound stages, offices and workshops housed in two clusters, with facilities able to form \u2018self-contained\u2019 units for filming blockbusters. A central hub includes screening rooms, an exhibition space, caf\u00e9, restaurants and office accommodation.<\/p>\n

WilkinsonEyre was appointed to design the facility after winning an architectural competition in 2021.<\/p>\n

Yesterday\u2019s approval comes as the practice reported \u2018another good year\u2019 in its accounts released on Tuesday. Pre-tax profit almost doubled to the year ending 31 March 2025, up to just shy of \u00a35 million, while turnover increased slightly from \u00a324.5 million to \u00a325 million. Staff numbers remained steady at 180.<\/p>\n

Commenting on the film studio approval, the practice\u2019s practice managing director, Oliver Tyler, said: \u2018Our proposals work hard to create a complex at Marlow that embodies a genuine sense of place and marries into the existing landscape.\u2019<\/p>\n

Alongside the saw-toothed roofs of the planned workshops and offices, and the contrasting flat-roofed studios, WilkinsonEyre has included a new community building designed for the \u2018benefit of local residents and groups\u2019.<\/p>\n

To ensure year-round activity on the site, areas of the development are reserved for businesses\u2019 use, particularly those that support film and TV production.<\/p>\n

Marlow Film Studios chief executive Robert Laycock said: \u2018WilkinsonEyre\u2019s brief was clear from the outset: to design the premier film and media studio complex in the UK.<\/p>\n

\u2018Their designs certainly deliver this, while the studios also promise to become a true community asset, providing economic and job opportunities for the local area, and the chance to sustain Buckinghamshire at the centre of the country\u2019s fast-expanding creative sector.\u2019<\/p>\n

The scheme hopes to capitalise on an expanding film and TV production industry in the UK, which grew by 31 per cent from 2023-4 to a total spend of \u00a35.6 billion.<\/p>\n

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