Marlow Film Studios campaigners argue 'lack of need'

The newly formed firm behind Wycombe Film Studios, an eight-stage development green-lit by Buckinghamshire Council last year, informed residents of plans to use the earmarked space near Wycombe Air Park to house data centres amid "industry uncertainty" last week.

The enterprise would continue seeking full permission for its film and TV facilities alongside the construction of at least one data centre, leaflets posted through local letterboxes disclosed.

And while the plans cited a "substantial market demand" for data centres alongside the film industry "uncertainty", the move has bolstered opponents of the long-contested Marlow Film Studios, which was rejected by Buckinghamshire Council in May.

An appeal against Marlow Film Studios' refusal was 'called in' by deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner this month, meaning she'll get the final say on the project after next year's inquiry, but members of anti-film studio group Save Marlow's Greenbelt believe the data centre plans indicate a down-tick in industry demand.

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Co-chair of the group Sam Kershaw said: "This adds weight to our argument that there is no need for Marlow Film Studios and that it would provide no benefits to the film industry or the people of Marlow."

It's worth remembering, however, that the council’s refusal of Marlow Film Studios owed more to its incursion on greenbelt land and repercussions on local roads and residents than its economic argument.

Additionally, after Wycombe Film Studios was given the go-ahead by Buckinghamshire Council last year, leader Martin Tett was enthusiastic about its potential for local economic growth.

The Labour government also unveiled tax relief measures for independent UK filmmakers at the start of October, with chancellor Rachel Reeves describing the creative industries as “a crucial part of our economy”.