Plans to build Marlow Film Studios on Greenbelt land near the A404 in Little Marlow have been refused by Buckinghamshire Council.

Click here to see our live coverage of Buckinghamshire Council's meeting to determine the controversial multi-million-pound development. 

Councillors on the Strategic Sites Committee heard from a number of representatives speaking for and against the large-scale plans during the six-hour discussion, which was held at The Oculus in Aylesbury today (May 30).

Sitting councillors described  had a “very difficult decision” on their hands but ultimately concluded that the studio did not meet the very special circumstances required for development on the Greenbelt.

In a report published before the meeting, planning officer John Fannon said the application should be refused because of its “inappropriate development on the Greenbelt”, conflict with the development of Little Marlow Lakes Country Park and “severe impact” on local roads.

Cllr Alison Wheelhouse, of the Beaconsfield ward, who put forward the motion to approve Mr Fannon’s recommendation, described Marlow as “a jewel in Buckinghamshire’s crown” and simply “the wrong place” for a film studio.

Meanwhile, Cllr Neil Marshall, who sits on Marlow Town Council and seconded Cllr Wheelhouse’s motion, cited the likely impact of the development on the local highways network as the primary source of his opposition. 

Speaking after the council’s decision, CEO of Marlow Film Studios, Robert Laycock 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.”