Dear Editor,

This is an open letter I have sent as CEO of Marlow Film Studios to a series of local Marlow social media groups to directly engage on the topics which concern them about the proposed Studios development and to address instances of misinformation.  

I have lived near to and loved Marlow my entire life. In the many thousands of conversations with this community, the positive quality of the life and the environment that Marlow benefits from has shone through. I’ve worked in the film industry since I left school, and my filmmaking career has provided a rare chance to bring a hugely beneficial project here. We have drawn widespread support from those who understand the art and culture of making films and the potential of the creative economy.

We all know that any planning poses challenges, especially when looking to make use of man-made sites with complex histories. I want to thank those who have raised important questions and contributed to the debate on our site and the project. Planning processes always generate different views, but I do think it's important that the community of Marlow, Little Marlow and others make up their minds on the basis of evidence, rather than incorrect or misleading information.

The Marlow Film Studios application shows the detailed and precise plans of how we will actually build a bespoke film making campus. This is not an outline application, so the full details are published. The designs are by world-leading architects, Wilkinson Eyre. We have been in close consultation with the Council and local communities over a considerable time and the full plans and evidence submitted will be the basis for the decision.

The site we own is made-up ground that was formerly an aggregate quarry. It contains a considerable and deep volume of landfill so is unsuitable for food production or farming. Green Belt policy is a broad-brush approach that does not discriminate between pristine, untouched land and former waste disposal sites that are man-made. Local and national policy allows development in the Green Belt in special circumstances.

As landowners, we control approximately 150 acres. Of this, our planning application shows that more than half (89 acres) will be used for habitat creation and enhancement, public access, cycle routes, paths and educational and community use. Jason Prior, our master-planner, designed the site for the 2012 Olympics in London, and he is recognised for his work all over the world. The buildings for the Studio all sit closest to the A404 and A4155, in an elegantly landscaped campus occupying less than 50 acres, with only the Skills and Culture and Community buildings outside this area as part of the recreation, education and community facilities. The assertions that this project occupies other areas or can be compared to Wembley or Terminal 5 are demonstrably false.

We are not increasing flooding or water quality risks, and we have provided full evidence of the how we will improve the current habitats and ecology of the area. The benefits we offer will be legally guaranteed as part of any planning consent. When we have built our campus, it will still be subject to the restrictions that govern Green Belt, so it cannot be changed into anything else like housing or for other uses.

On transport, the Westhorpe roundabout will be upgraded to operate more safely and effectively. Wider enhancements for connecting journeys, including by buses, cycling routes and walking routes are also part of the framework. We are providing two new public bus services, including a direct link to the Elizabeth Line. Provision of onsite parking and the legal ability to insist that people not to come to work by car means we will not add to local parking problems.

Without the Studios, the highways network will become less safe and less efficient in coming years. National Highways’ latest direction, published this week, confirm that subject to the agreement of suitable planning conditions that they support the Film Studios proposals.

Beyond the main campus, we are creating a culture and education centre that will support the training of young filmmakers. Training places for local residents will be prioritised, it will be a space where the community can engage in the film craft and creativity that is the central purpose of the project.

The UK leads the world in film and TV, and demand is set to grow hugely in the years to come – so we are focused on the coming generations in the community around Marlow, who are being prioritised in our application. We are creating 2000 new jobs and careers in the creative sector, and 2000 jobs in the wider economy. This matters.

Quality of jobs and careers matter. Local investment matters and will make local services more affordable. It will help keep people in the area, particularly the young, rather than forcing them to move away. Marlow Film Studios will be at the heart of the local creative sector and play an important part and positive role in the lives of the local community.

We have more details at https://marlow.film/ and are happy to respond to anyone seeking more information on the facts in the application. Please feel free to email me via info@marlow.film.

Robert Laycock, CEO of Marlow Film Studios