Marlow Film Studios wins planning appeal in Buckinghamshire, unlocking £750m investment and 2,000 jobs

Buckinghamshire’s Marlow area is poised for a major filmmaking complex after an appeal overturned a council decision. The plan, a £750 million studio development, is framed as a catalyst for jobs and skills in the UK's creative sector.

Previously, Buckinghamshire Council rejected the proposal in 2024 over concerns about traffic, biodiversity, and the impact on the green belt landscape. The appeal decision, issued on behalf of the Housing Secretary, concluded that the economic benefits outweighed potential harms.

Developed by Dido Property Limited, the studio would cover about 168,718 square metres (1.8 million square feet) and include 18 sound stages, workshops, offices, cafes and public spaces, plus 1,117 parking spaces.

Officials project the facility could create around 2,000 jobs and contribute roughly £249 million to the economy annually. The plan also features a Culture and Skills Academy to train the next generation of UK film workers.

Prominent supporters include Hollywood names such as James Cameron (Avatar), Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings), and Sam Mendes (Bond), boosting the project’s profile. Critics from Save Marlow's Greenbelt argue there is already enough studio capacity nearby and warn about landscape and local amenity impacts.

A planning inspector acknowledged potential harms to landscape and local planning policies but concluded that the benefits—most notably jobs and investment—outweighed the drawbacks. The decision was supported by national priorities for industry growth and creative output.

Looking ahead, Buckinghamshire Council and local communities will watch how the development unfolds, including its impact on local infrastructure and environmental safeguards. The project emphasizes local talent development alongside large-scale production capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• The planning appeal overturned a council rejection, paving the way for the Marlow Film Studios project.
• The scheme is valued at £750 million and aims to create about 2,000 jobs with substantial annual economic benefits.
• Critics raised concerns about green belt, landscape, traffic, and local amenities, arguing for stronger safeguards.
• The project includes a Culture and Skills Academy to nurture UK film talent and a potential boost to the West London film cluster.
• Support from high-profile industry figures increased the project’s visibility and political backing.

Expert comment: Industry analyst Dr. Leah Carter notes the project could help rebuild local film ecosystems and attract international productions. She emphasizes skills development as a long-term economic lever for the region.

Summary: The approval marks a significant step for the UK’s film industry, pairing major investment with a focus on local skills and infrastructure. While it raises questions about green belt protection, officials argue the national creative economy and jobs growth justify moving forward. The outcome highlights how planning decisions can balance growth with sustainability in a developing film landscape.

Key insight: Government support for film production can deliver economic growth and jobs while balancing planning considerations. Source