Film director James Cameron is among the supporters of the proposed studio.

The team behind the proposed Marlow Film Studios is submitting an appeal against the decision made by the council earlier this year to turn down planning permission for the site.

The studio backers say they now expect a public inquiry to be held, probably in 2025. Marlow Film Studios CEO Robert Laycock said: “This next stage in the process moves us beyond seeking local agreement on our application.

“This time, the decision will rest with the appointed Planning Inspector whose role will be to determine the strength of our arguments. The option remains for Ministers formally to intervene, but we are confident that the Public Inquiry will allow us to address the shortcomings of the Council’s decision.”

Buckinghamshire Council’s Strategic Sites Committee rejected the plans at a meeting held on 30 May, after which Laycock commented: “Despite many members on the committee crediting the quality of the application, and acknowledging the very significant social and economic benefits it would bring to Buckinghamshire, we are disappointed the committee was not able to support this extraordinary proposal.”

The council has been mulling the plans for some time, deferring their decision last autumn to consider green belt and road issues.

For more on UK studios around the nations and regions, take a look at our latest edition of World of Studios. To book your spot in the next issue, email sarah.keegan@mbi.london or alex.curry@theknowledgeonline.com.