Rayner Urged to Approve Marlow Film Studios Amid Planning Debate
A public inquiry into the £750m Marlow Film Studios proposal, backed by prominent filmmakers, could shape Labour's approach to creative industries and green-belt development.
A public inquiry into the £750m Marlow Film Studios proposal has begun, with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner set to make the final decision on the development.
The project, which aims to create 4,000 jobs, was initially rejected by Buckinghamshire council in May due to concerns over its impact on the road network and use of green-belt land.
The inquiry, which started this week, is seen as a test of the Labour government’s stance on planning policies and the creative industries.
The Marlow Film Studios project, which has garnered support from high-profile figures such as director James Cameron and 1917 director Sam Mendes, has sparked debate over the use of green-belt land.
The development is led by Robert Laycock, the great nephew of James Bond creator Ian Fleming.
The project’s advocates argue that it would significantly benefit the UK economy and its creative industries, and they are calling on Rayner to approve it in alignment with Labour’s agenda to bolster the film and TV sector.
Counsel for the development emphasized that approving the project would demonstrate the government’s commitment to growing the UK’s creative industries.
They argued that the site, currently classified as green belt, should be considered ‘grey belt’ land, making it suitable for development under Labour’s recent planning reforms.
These reforms include reviewing green-belt boundaries to identify land for building.
However, Buckinghamshire council’s legal representatives and local campaign groups opposed the project, citing concerns over the reliability of predictions regarding the growth of the film industry.
They pointed to setbacks in other planned film studio developments, such as Pinewood and Wycombe Film Studios, as evidence of market uncertainty.
Under the appeals process, the Planning Inspectorate will review the proposal, and Rayner’s decision will be influenced by the findings of the inquiry.
The secretary of state has the power to call in planning applications, though this is rarely done.
If Rayner’s decision is challenged, it could be taken to the high court via judicial review.
The project, which aims to create 4,000 jobs, was initially rejected by Buckinghamshire council in May due to concerns over its impact on the road network and use of green-belt land.
The inquiry, which started this week, is seen as a test of the Labour government’s stance on planning policies and the creative industries.
The Marlow Film Studios project, which has garnered support from high-profile figures such as director James Cameron and 1917 director Sam Mendes, has sparked debate over the use of green-belt land.
The development is led by Robert Laycock, the great nephew of James Bond creator Ian Fleming.
The project’s advocates argue that it would significantly benefit the UK economy and its creative industries, and they are calling on Rayner to approve it in alignment with Labour’s agenda to bolster the film and TV sector.
Counsel for the development emphasized that approving the project would demonstrate the government’s commitment to growing the UK’s creative industries.
They argued that the site, currently classified as green belt, should be considered ‘grey belt’ land, making it suitable for development under Labour’s recent planning reforms.
These reforms include reviewing green-belt boundaries to identify land for building.
However, Buckinghamshire council’s legal representatives and local campaign groups opposed the project, citing concerns over the reliability of predictions regarding the growth of the film industry.
They pointed to setbacks in other planned film studio developments, such as Pinewood and Wycombe Film Studios, as evidence of market uncertainty.
Under the appeals process, the Planning Inspectorate will review the proposal, and Rayner’s decision will be influenced by the findings of the inquiry.
The secretary of state has the power to call in planning applications, though this is rarely done.
If Rayner’s decision is challenged, it could be taken to the high court via judicial review.
