The developers behind the proposed £750 million Marlow Film Studios near London, supported by prominent Hollywood figures such as James Cameron and Sam Mendes, are set to appeal against Buckinghamshire county council's rejection of their project. This case is considered a significant test of the new UK Labour government's stance on prioritising economic growth.
Marlow Film Studios expressed confidence in their appeal to a national planning body, stating that their project would bring substantial economic benefits, including 4,000 jobs, with half of them intended for local residents. Despite the council’s refusal in May, citing insufficient evidence to justify building on greenbelt land and concerns over traffic impact, the developers argue that the site is a former landfill, not a pristine greenbelt area.
This appeal comes shortly after Labour's general election win, where Chancellor Rachel Reeves indicated plans to revise planning rules, potentially allowing development on lower-quality greenbelt land. However, local opposition group Save Marlow’s Greenbelt contends that the site is ecologically valuable and vital for maintaining the character of Buckingham town and its surrounding villages.
The project’s outcome will be closely watched as it could set a precedent for future development proposals in the UK, particularly in areas designated as greenbelt land.
