Environmental campaigners and film studio developers took opposing views on comments made about a controversial planning proposal by the Prime Minister last week.

Ever since a planning application for Marlow Film Studios - a 36-hectare studio space near the A404 in Little Marlow - was submitted more than a year and a half ago, debate has raged about whether the projected economic benefits of the site outweigh the significance of its encroachment on greenbelt land.

Ahead of a decision on whether the proposal should go ahead or not by Buckinghamshire Council in March, studio developers and environmental campaigners remain divided on what the result of the long planning process should be - something that has only been exacerbated by, however ambiguous, comments on the project by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak earlier this week.

During a visit to the National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield on Monday (January 22), Mr Sunak declined to comment on the planning proposal directly, despite the vocal opposition to the plans of local Conservative MP Joy Morrissey.

He did, however, praise the "incredible success" of the film and TV industry in the county, adding: "It brings a boost to our economy, employs millions of people and is training the next generation, which is something I think we can all be proud of."

Questioned further about developments on greenbelt land in Buckinghamshire, the Prime Minister admitted that it was "a very beautiful part of the country" but reaffirmed his stance that "local authorities know local areas best and it's right that they make the decisions that are appropriate".

Following the visit, CEO of Marlow Film Studios Robert Laycock said it was "very encouraging" to hear Mr Sunak's praise of "Buckinghamshire's global leadership in the film and TV industry and the opportunities it provides for the next generation".

He added: "We agree that the 'future looks bright' for film and TV in Buckinghamshire, and Marlow Film Studios are at the forefront of this. Our plans will create thousands of new jobs and a new education and skills centre, investing in skills for the next generation of creative talent and strengthening Buckinghamshire’s status as the home of British filmmaking and its creative economy.

"The new world-leading studios on this former gravel quarry will also include major improvements to local roads and bus services and a significant package of sustainability measures to improve biodiversity in and around the site."

READ MORE: Marlow Film Studios: What's next in 2024?

However, Sam Kershaw, co-chair of the campaign group Save Marlow's Greenbelt offered a different view, telling the Free Press: "The Prime Minister's enthusiasm for the film industry does not represent support for Marlow Film Studios. In fact, his public pledge to protect the greenbelt, which this development may destroy, is far more significant.

"However, we agree with Mr Sunak that the decision is best made by Buckinghamshire Council through a detailed examination of all the issues. We are encouraged that the planning officer, in a well-argued report, concludes that the development's benefits do not outweigh its harms and recommends that the application should be refused."

Buckinghamshire Council's Strategic Sites Committee will meet in March to deliver a verdict on the Marlow Film Studios project following a deferment of the decision back in October 2023.

Speaking at the committee's first meeting, Councillor Trevor Egleton aptly summarised the ongoing discourse in a justification of his decision to support a delay of the decision.

He said: "The question comes down to whether (the priority) is Great Britain PLC or our local greenbelt.

"It's a question of what is most important to us in Buckinghamshire."