In a significant move for Britain's creative industries, ministers have granted planning permission for a £750 million Hollywood-style film and television studio complex in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.
A Victory for Economic Growth
The decision, announced just hours before Chancellor Rachel Reeves presented her budget, marks a major victory for the project's backers and is seen as a clear demonstration of Labour's commitment to prioritising economic growth. The Marlow Film Studios development had become a test case for the government's willingness to override local opposition in favour of national economic benefits.
Matthew Pennycook, the Housing and Planning Minister, confirmed that Secretary of State Steve Reed had agreed to grant planning permission. This follows the decision by former minister Angela Rayner to call in the application after Buckinghamshire County Council rejected it last year.
Star-Studded Support and Local Opposition
The project has received high-profile backing from some of the film industry's biggest names, including Oscar-winning directors Sam Mendes (1917), James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar), and Paul Greengrass (Captain Phillips).
Robert Laycock, Chief Executive of Marlow Film Studios, described the decision as "a real vote of confidence in the UK and in its creative industries." He emphasised that the development would regenerate "a poorly landfilled site" and create new career opportunities.
However, the Save Marlow's Greenbelt campaign group has strongly opposed the development, arguing the site is not derelict and supports a valuable ecosystem. They maintain its openness is crucial to protecting the character of Marlow and surrounding villages.
Major Boost for UK Creative Industries
The planned creative campus represents a substantial investment in the UK's film infrastructure and will feature:
- 18 sound stages for film and television production
- A dedicated culture and skills academy
- The creation of approximately 4,000 new jobs
This approval follows other recent government decisions supporting major entertainment developments, including a deal with Comcast to build the first Universal Studios theme park in Europe in Bedford and the expansion of Luton Airport, expected to serve theme park visitors.
The Marlow Film Studios decision signals a proactive approach to planning under the new government, potentially paving the way for other large-scale projects aimed at stimulating economic growth across the UK.
