Government reviewed plans for 18-stage facility after council had rejected over green belt worries

Marlow Film Studios has been granted planning permission following a government review.

The facility originally had its application rejected by Buckinghamshire council in June 2024, largely due to concerns over the use of green belt land. However, the government then announced plans to review the decision in October 2024, following an appeal by developer Dido Property Limited.

Approval has now been granted by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, Steve Reed, following a public inquiry that was held in High Wycombe over January and February 2025. Over five weeks examining evidence, the planning inspector heard from experts, in planning, the creative industries, transport and the environment. On the basis of this evidence, they recommended the scheme for approval, and this was upheld by the Secretary of State.

Reasons listed for the decision include that the facility would “attract global investment”, “create a stronger West London Cluster”, “contribute towards maintaining international competitiveness”, and “is directly aligned with the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy.”

Marlow Film Studios plans to contain 18 sound stages over 472,000 sq ft, 410,000 sq ft of workshops, and 280,000 sq ft of production offices over a 36 hectare plot, with the hope to support 4,000 jobs in the area – 2,000 in technical and production roles and 2,000 in the wider economy.

Robert Laycock, CEO of Marlow Studios, said: “The Secretary of State’s determination is a real vote of confidence in the UK and in its creative industries. It is very welcome news. This is a meaningful decision for anyone who believes in the UK’s future, our nation’s creative genius, and our unmatched capability to inspire the world.

“For Buckinghamshire, this is a powerful vote of confidence in the coming generations. Regenerating a poorly landfilled site to enable new careers and pass on exceptional skills in this world-beating British industry is the right decision.

“It’s a signal to investors who aim for high quality development, done in the right way, through outstanding design that brings sustainable opportunities and benefits to their community. The decision is clear in its assessment that Marlow Studios will attract global investment, help the UK maintain its competitive creative edge, and will strengthen the West London film cluster.

“We know that Marlow Studios will be a media campus like no other – offering the world’s creative businesses a bespoke facility, leading in emerging technology and design that drives creativity and storytelling.

“The global creative sector is growing fast, with a pace of change that is driving new investment. New platforms, new technology, including AI and new ways of telling stories require a different approach. Marlow Studios will be the campus that drives creative collaboration for the coming era.”

Chair of Marlow Studios’ advisory board, former Culture Minister, Lord Ed Vaizey, said: “This is wonderful news for our world-beating film sector and wider creative industries.

“Marlow Studios will be a huge investment in Britain’s future. It will be one of the most technically advanced studios in the world, helping the industry harness and to adapt to the latest developments. Only by doing this will the UK continue to be the world’s preferred destination for investment and storytelling.

“Marlow will also be a centre for cultivating the next generation of talent – teaching our young people the skills the industry needs, ensuring we have a workforce fit for the future. It will also be one of the most sustainable campuses of its kind, providing quality work and recreation space for both users and the local community.

“This is a great story for Britain, and one I’m proud to be a part of.” “

For more on studios around the UK, take a look at our new World of Studios issue.

This article first appeared on our sister site, Broadcast Tech.