CAMPAIGNERS in Iver Heath and Fulmer are “cock-a-hoop” after Pinewood Studios’ expansion plans were rejected.

The £200 million ‘Project Pinewood’ would have included replica streetscapes of Paris and Amsterdam on Green Belt land - with 1,400 new homes inside 'live-in' film sets.

The Government announced its decision yesterday following a planning inquiry in April (see link below).

Its refusal backed the stance taken by South Bucks District Council, which had rejected the scheme in 2009.

Liz Finan, a member of the Stop Project Pinewood group, said: “We are so so pleased - everyone is cock-a-hoop.

“There was a real worry it would go through, especially when the previous government seemed all for it, but you can’t build something like Disneyland in the English countryside.

“The number of properties would have been inappropriate for the area because the infrastructure just isn’t there.”

Pinewood Shepperton, the studios’ parent company, has spent about £7 million on the project, including land and planning application costs. However, the firm said this is “not material to the long term prospects of the company”.

Andrew Smith, Pinewood’s corporate affairs director, said the company would not contest the decision through a judicial review.

He told the Bucks Free Press: “There’s no reason to suggest the [inquiry] process was flawed. In terms of the project in its current form, that’s it.”

When asked if a new scheme could be put forward for the Iver Heath site, he said Pinewood would be taking time to review the government’s decision.

The verdict caused a four per cent slump in Pinewood Shepperton shares yesterday, but Mr Smith added: “We are 100 per cent committed to Pinewood and the UK film industry.”

Roger Reed, deputy leader of South Bucks District Council, said: “I welcome that common sense and the interests of local residents have prevailed.

"Residents can be assured that the district council will continue to work tirelessly to protect our Green Belt in South Bucks.”

Mitchell Gears, who lives in Fulmer and gave evidence to the planning inquiry, believes the Pinewood scheme would have prompted further development.

He added: “The council’s decision was upheld very loud and clear. This will reassure people around the country that the Tory party are serious about protecting the Green Belt.”

Pinewood Studios, which celebrated its 75th anniversary last year, is home to the Harry Potter and James Bond films, as well as about 300 independent businesses.