The company behind a controversial multi-million-pound film studio proposed for land near the A404 in Marlow is appealing against Buckinghamshire Council’s refusal of the plans – and calling for a public inquiry into the decision.

The development, which gained local notoriety during its two-year consideration by the council because of its projected impact on wildlife and neighbouring residents, was refused in May after councillors concluded that it did not meet the very special circumstances required for building on the greenbelt.

A spokesperson for the developers confirmed their intention to appeal against the refusal today, Thursday, August 29, adding that the submission to the government’s planning inspectorate will include a public inquiry request.

They said: “In spite of the council’s decision to refuse our application, we remain confident of the strength of our case, and of the benefits that our investment will bring to the local community and the wider national economy.”

The spokesperson also reiterated promises made in the original planning documents, including 4,000 new jobs, a £3.2 billion boost to the local economy within 10 years and a raft of new transport infrastructure.

The £750 million project, which has been backed by industry heavyweights Richard Curtis and James Cameron, would “represent a major growth investment in jobs and skills for Buckinghamshire and the UK”, the representative said, as well as “greatly strengthening the country’s position in the film and TV sector”.

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Despite suggestions that the new Labour government’s greenbelt redesignation plans could boost the developers’ chances of overturning the council’s decision, the spokesperson insisted that “support for the UK’s creative sector, as a uniquely successful part of its economic infrastructure, crosses political divides”.

Adding: “(The film studio) presents a significant opportunity to utilise and substantially improve a despoiled former landfill site, making good use of land presently unusable for domestic buildings or agriculture.

“Our hope is to build an institution of global standing for the British film industry that Marlow will be proud of.”

Sam Kershaw, co-chair of the environmental group Save Marlow’s Greenbelt – which has campaigned against the development since its initial proposal in 2022 – said he was ‘surprised’ by the appeal, after suggesting in the spring that such a move would be “throwing good money after bad”.

Mr Kershaw said: “We are surprised that the developers have decided to appeal given the strength of the refusal by Buckinghamshire Council and their inability to mitigate the significant harm that the studio would cause.

“However, we will continue to fight against it and look forward to participating in the inquiry.”