Marlow Film Studios to Challenge Greenbelt Development Rejection Amid National Economic Growth Agenda

The proponents of a new major British film studio, Marlow Film Studios, intend to revive their project after its initial rejection by Buckinghamshire county council. The studio, supported by directors like James Cameron and Sam Mendes, promises to generate 4,000 new jobs, significantly benefiting both the local and national economy.

On Thursday, Marlow Film Studios announced their intent to revive their project to build a new major British film studio, despite its recent rejection by Buckinghamshire county council. The case represents a broader push by the new government to prioritize economic growth.

In spite of the council's refusal, the studio backers remain confident about the strength of their case and the benefits their investment will bring to both the local community and the national economy. The studio, supported by high-profile directors such as James Cameron, Sam Mendes, and Paul Greengrass, promises to create 4,000 jobs, half of which would be local to Marlow, located 35 miles north of London.

The council had rejected the plan in May, citing insufficient evidence to justify the studio being built on greenbelt land. However, the recent election of the centre-left Labour Party and new instructions from finance minister Rachel Reeves to enable development in poor-quality greenbelt areas could change the project's prospects. Marlow Film Studios argues that the site is a former landfill, while local opposition claims it supports a valuable ecosystem. The studio has also promised investments in traffic infrastructure and public transport to mitigate increased traffic concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)