The government has ignited a fierce local row by approving a controversial £750 million film studio complex on the outskirts of the picturesque Buckinghamshire town of Marlow, overturning the decision of the local council.
A Clash of Visions: Economic Boost vs. Environmental Harm
In a move emblematic of Chancellor Rachel Reeves's drive for economic growth through planning reform, Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook confirmed the Secretary of State had granted permission for Marlow Film Studios. The decision, made last week, directly contradicts Buckinghamshire Council's rejection of the plans in 2024.
The council had refused the application due to serious concerns over development on protected green belt land, the visual impact on the landscape, and potential traffic problems. The project, however, boasts heavyweight backing from Hollywood, including Titanic director James Cameron and Oscar-winner Sir Sam Mendes.
Proponents argue the "unique media campus" will be a powerhouse for the UK's creative sector. Plans for the site near Marlow Road and Westhorpe Farm Lane include 18 sound stages, backlots, and production space, promising to create around 4,000 jobs.
Local Democracy "Kicked to the Curb"
The government's planning inspector acknowledged the development could cause visual harm but concluded the substantial economic benefits were decisive. A government letter stated the project could generate approximately £340 million in production expenditure and deliver between £95 million and £265 million in annual tax revenues.
Robert Laycock, CEO of Marlow Studios, hailed the decision as a "vote of confidence" in the UK, framing it as the regeneration of a "poorly landfilled site." He said it would strengthen the west London film cluster and inspire global investment.
This optimism is not shared locally. Beaconsfield MP Joy Morrissey, who campaigned alongside the Save Marlow's Green Belt group, vowed to continue her fight. "I will continue to fight this," she told constituents, calling for a judicial review.
Ms Morrissey, who had a brief acting career before politics, supports the British film industry but argues the demand isn't there with Pinewood Studios nearby. She fears jobs would be "transient" and the development fundamentally misplaced. "It's a beautiful place for wildlife. That will be completely lost," she said, accusing the government of slapping residents in the face.
"This was rejected at council level... rejected in a parish poll by the local residents, so local democracy has just been kicked to the curb," she told The Independent.
Council Disappointment and an Uncertain Future
Peter Strachan, Buckinghamshire Council's cabinet member for planning, expressed profound disappointment, stating their original refusal was "evidence-led" and identified unresolved issues with green belt policy, landscape, and infrastructure.
While the council recognises the importance of the creative industries, it insists development must respect the environment. The Save Marlow's Green Belt campaign suggested the government's decision marked the end of their fight, but Ms Morrissey is exploring further legal steps, setting the stage for a potential protracted battle over the future of this coveted green belt land.
