Locals think the closure of world-famous Pinewood Studios’ TV unit after a revenue drop in the sector could spell trouble for a controversial complex proposed for construction in Little Marlow.

Plans to build the multi-million-pound studio on land near the A404 were rejected by Buckinghamshire Council in the spring, but the developers have appealed the decision, stressing “benefits to the local and wider national economy”.

Environmental campaigners based in the town have long opposed the development, however, citing both greenbelt harm and a lack of economic demand – arguments which appear to have been bolstered by the closure of nearby Pinewood Studios' TV production arm this week, following a “consultation process”, presumably into market demand.

Richard Sherwin, co-chair of the Save Marlow’s Greenbelt group, said the move was “further evidence of the oversupply of studio space in the UK”.

Adding: “It reinforces our belief that Marlow Film Studios is not needed by the British film industry and would provide no benefit to the UK economy.”

An industry insider who wanted to remain anonymous said they thought the closure of the TV unit was either due to an influx of big-budget film productions – “with no need for non-contemporaneous TV shoots to fill in the gaps between film work” – or a drop in demand for TV projects, likely driven by “changes to advertising revenue” and a drop in viewership for the gameshow-type programmes formerly based at Pinewood.

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Either way, they said, it could spell bad news for the Marlow project.

“If Pinewood already has a load of film contracts in the pipeline, that puts competing studios in a tough position – and if the TV industry’s drying up, that’s not good news for any filmmaking base, especially one that hasn’t yet established itself.

“It’s not always the case but generally big productions will go with the people they know instead of taking a chance on something new.”

In a statement released on Wednesday, October 2, Pinewood Studios said it was closing its television department – which has in the past housed RuPaul’s Drag Race, Taskmaster and Would I Lie to You – following an “internal review”.

A spokesperson said: “This does not affect TV shows already booked for 2024 and 2025, nor does it affect any other film or TV productions at Pinewood’s sites. We have started a consultation process with colleagues who are affected.

“We are very proud of the work the TV team has delivered over the years, having hosted many major titles for the UK’s broadcasters.”

Marlow Film Studios declined a request for comment.