Hollywood-Style Studio Complex Gets Green Light
In a significant decision testing the government's economic growth agenda, ministers have granted planning permission for a £750 million film and TV studio development in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. The project, which had faced substantial local opposition, was approved following a ministerial review, signalling a prioritisation of major economic projects.
Star-Studded Backing and Local Opposition
The Marlow Film Studios project has received high-profile endorsements from some of the film industry's biggest names. Acclaimed directors Sam Mendes (1917), James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar), and Paul Greengrass (Captain Phillips) have all publicly backed the venture. This support contrasts sharply with the stance of local campaigners. The Save Marlow's Greenbelt group has vehemently opposed the development, arguing the site is not derelict but supports a valuable ecosystem and that its openness is crucial to preserving the character of Marlow and nearby villages.
Economic Boost and National Planning Shift
The newly approved creative campus is set to be a substantial economic driver for the region. The plans include 18 state-of-the-art sound stages and a dedicated culture and skills academy. Crucially, the development is projected to create 4,000 new jobs, a key factor in the government's decision. The approval came from Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook, confirming that Secretary of State Steve Reed had agreed to grant permission. This outcome follows Buckinghamshire County Council's initial rejection of the application last year, which prompted developers to appeal to the national planning body.
Robert Laycock, Chief Executive of Marlow Film Studios, hailed the decision as a "real vote of confidence in the UK and in its creative industries." He emphasised that "regenerating a poorly landfilled site to enable new careers and pass on exceptional skills in this world-beating British industry is the right decision."
This ruling is seen as a benchmark for the Labour government's stated commitment to overriding local opposition to drive economic growth, a position repeatedly championed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The announcement was made just hours before she presented her budget in Westminster. This decision aligns with other recent major project approvals, such as the Universal Studios theme park in Bedford and the expansion of Luton Airport, indicating a consistent governmental approach to large-scale infrastructure and economic development.
