Save Marlow’s Green Belt welcomed around one hundred locals to a public meeting at Liston Hall last Friday evening (April 1). 

The group is made up of resident volunteers that are dedicated to preventing development on Green Belt areas.

The session talked about several planned development projects in the wider Marlow area and then offered opportunities for members of the public to ask questions, with a number of local councillors in attendance.

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One development that recently came to public knowledge is Wycombe Wanderers' intention to submit a hybrid planning application to build a "sports hub" on Westhorpe Farm Lane off Marlow Road.

The plans seen by the Bucks Free Press say how Wanderers will own a community football facility with a “state-of-the-art” sports hall and five new pitches.

The land in question is next to the plot where Marlow Film Studio is hoping to build a “state-of-the-art” film studio.

One attendee said: “I came to the meeting quite ambivalent about the film project. 

“My view was quite turned around by the presentation.

“This is an outrageous plan and has to be stopped.”

Robert Laycock CEO of Marlow Film Studios said “Our application due in weeks will be quite rightly rigorously interrogated by anyone who would like to do that. 

“We’re very lucky in this country to have a planning system that is balanced, open and subject to questions by public comment and scrutiny. 

“Prejudging based on speculation ahead of the forthcoming formal process is of limited benefit.

“We’ve been having really thoughtful conversations with thousands of interested parties and are encouraging all local communities and individuals to input into our proposals, whether now or as part of the determination. 

“We thank all those who have taken part and understand in this moment of great uncertainty that rigour in answering questions plays a fundamental role. 

“The application and determination process is the optimal way to do that. 

“We look forward to more of that as the application process begins. 

“In the meantime, we’re here to answer any questions.”

The plans have been met with backlash from local Westhorpe Park residents who continue to campaign against the project.

However, there has been recent support from local headteachers in Marlow who are looking to collaborate with the proposed film studio on its pledge to provide traineeships and work experience.

Anyone wishing to find out more about Save Marlow’s Greenbelt should visit savemarlowsgreenbelt.org or review information from the Marlow Film Studios at https://www.marlow.film/