Proposals to build a new studio complex on the site of a former quarry near Marlow have been rejected by council planners.
Marlow Film Studios had submitted plans for the facility but Buckinghamshire County Council denied permission in a meeting yesterday. Revisions to the £3.5 billion proposals submitted in February included plans to invest more than £20 million in local infrastructure.
The studio received backing in a letter from the Oscar-winning director of Titanic and The Terminator, James Cameron, who suggested the development may become a potential European home for his new company, LIGHTSTORM 3D, however local authority planning officers recommended the refusal following concerns over environmental and transport issues.
In a statement issued to TVBEurope after the decision, Robert Laycock, CEO of Marlow Film Studios, said: “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. It is one of the most significant investment opportunities in the future of Buckinghamshire and its residents, and we are now considering the next steps for the development.
“In addition to luminaries like James Cameron, Andy Serkis, Paul Greengrass, Richard Curtis, Jeremy Irons and a host of global figures who support us, we are most touched by the unprecedented level of local support from Buckinghamshire. Over 5,200 people wrote letters of support, and well over 100 people turned up in person to the meeting today to show councillors how much they care.”
