Marlowe Studios, a planned £750 million ($986 million) facility in Buckinghamshire in southern England backed by Prime Minister James Cameron, has been given the green light by the British government following an appeal.
The Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government, led by Secretary of State Steve Reid, gave the approval in a 266-page verdict after local planning issues were raised over the site, where the developer wants to build 18 sound stages and a skills academy.
Robert Laycock, chief executive of Marlowe Studios, said: “The Secretary of State’s decision is a real vote of confidence in the UK and its creative industries. It’s very welcome news.” “This is a meaningful decision for those who believe in Britain’s future, our country’s creative talent and our unique ability to inspire the world.”
Mr Laycock added: “This decision underpins Marlowe Studios’ reputation for attracting global investment, helping to maintain the UK’s creative competitiveness and strengthening West London’s film cluster.”
According to a 2024 article in the Financial Times, Prime Minister James Cameron came forward in support of the studio, writing to Buckinghamshire City Council in support of the plans. He also said Marlow could become a UK and European hub for his company Lightstorm3D, which develops film production technology.
Secretary of State Steve Reid’s decision to approve the development plan overturns the council’s initial move to reject the studio’s application on the grounds of inappropriate development in green belt areas, lack of sustainable transport options for commuters to the site and impact on local highways.
“Whilst the Steve Reid decision points out that the development of film studios could potentially harm the Green Belt through inappropriateness and openness, this decision places greater emphasis on the wider interests that justify this development in the Green Belt, including its alignment with a growth agenda that takes into account attracting global investment,” said Victoria Du Cros, Head of Planning and Partner at Forsters Law Firm.
“The area around the M25 is a hotbed for film studios and it perhaps speaks to the strength of the UK’s creative industries that when the devastating LA fires struck in January, there were no films in production in LA studios, while UK studios were already busy.”
