electra-supply.comDeputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner is making headlines with her decision to call in a rejected planning application for a multimillion-pound film studio development—an important test of the Labour Party’s dedication to revitalizing the creative industries.
The ambitious £750 million project at Marlow Film Studios, which promised to create around 4,000 jobs, was initially turned down by Buckinghamshire Council in May due to concerns about road infrastructure and the impact on green belt land. Notably, this proposal has received backing from prominent figures in the film industry, including acclaimed director Sam Mendes, known for “1917,” and blockbuster filmmaker James Cameron, recognized for “Titanic” and “Avatar.” The development aims to add 44,000 square meters (or 470,000 square feet) of new sound stages.
Despite the earlier rejection, the developers have appealed the decision, prompting Rayner, in her capacity as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, to step in and examine the planning decision closely. This intervention could shift decision-making authority from local councils to the central government, as Rayner has advocated for reforming the planning system, particularly with regard to green belt designations.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has highlighted the Labour government’s belief that the creative industries are vital to the economy, contributing £125 billion annually. This week, she reiterated the government’s commitment by confirming the continuation of an independent film tax credit scheme, which aims to provide financial relief to indie productions, showcasing the government’s support for this sector.
Marlow Film Studio has welcomed Rayner’s involvement, stating, “This is a project of national importance. The UK’s film and TV industry leads the world.”
Another proposed film studio, Holyport Studios, faces similar challenges within the planning landscape. This £100 million project by Greystoke Land aims to create 20,900 square meters of soundstage space and generate approximately 1,400 local jobs, but it was rejected by the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in March for being deemed inappropriate for green belt land—a decision that Greystoke is currently contesting through an appeal.
Sources associated with both projects express optimism that the Labour government’s focus on planning reform and support for the film industry could foster more favorable outcomes. Earlier this year, Labour leader Keir Starmer remarked on the global acclaim for UK-produced content, stating, “What we make and produce is known and loved in every corner of the globe.”
The demand for film studio space in the UK has surged in recent years, increasing from 297,000 square meters in 2019 to 492,000 square meters in 2022-2023, positioning Britain to potentially rank just behind Hollywood by the end of 2025 if current growth trends persist.
The appeals process allows the Planning Inspectorate to conduct inquiries, with the Secretary of State possessing the authority to determine an appeal at any stage before a decision is finalized. Although the Secretary of State can intervene for various reasons, such actions are relatively rare—only 198 applications were called in between 2010-2011 and 2022-2023.
Environmental advocates like Sam Kershaw of the campaign group Save Marlow’s Greenbelt are resolutely opposed to the proposed studio, arguing that the economic benefits would be minimal. “We expect the forthcoming planning inquiry to reveal that the economic benefits would be negligible and hope that Angela Rayner will see this as an inappropriate use of green belt land,” he expressed.
Kershaw also raised concerns about the studio’s investors potentially influencing government approval, fearing that any changes to green belt regulations might work in their favor.
In terms of statistics, planning approvals for new film studios rose by 45% from 2018 to 2021, with applications increasing by 35%, according to a 2022 Knight Frank report. However, the dynamics of the industry are evolving in the wake of last year’s Hollywood strikes, leading some to question the sustainability of current demand.
Peter Strachan, Buckinghamshire Council’s planning cabinet member, reiterated the local government’s position: “We will robustly defend the council’s decision to refuse this application during the inquiry and urge the inspector and Secretary of State to take local concerns into serious consideration.”
The Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government has acknowledged the appeal of Dido Property Ltd’s proposal for film studios in Little Marlow but has chosen not to comment further at this time.
