William Eichler 26 November 2025

Reed green lights controversial £750m film studio

Reed green lights controversial £750m film studio image
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, Steve Reed © Zeynep Demir Aslim / Shutterstock.com.

A multi-million-pound film studio has been granted planning permission by the Government despite the local council’s objections.

The Marlow Film Studios, which is backed by Avatar director James Cameron and James Bond director Sam Mendes, could generate £3.5bn in social value in the first decade and create 4,000 jobs, according to Marlow Studios.

However, Buckinghamshire Council rejected the application for planning permission over concerns about its impact on the local road network.

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, Steve Reed, has now approved the scheme, following the recommendation of the Planning Inspector.

Responding to the decision, Peter Strachan, cabinet member for Planning at Buckinghamshire Council said: 'We are incredibly disappointed that the significant concerns raised by the council, local communities, and statutory consultees have not been upheld.'

He added: 'We recognise the importance of supporting the UK’s creative industries and welcome investment that brings genuine benefits to our communities. However, we believe that such development must be delivered in the right place, with the right infrastructure, and in a way that respects the environment, local character and protect our resident’s amenities.'

LocalGov Weekly Round Up image

LocalGov Weekly Round Up

William Eichler, editor of LocalGov.co.uk, reflects on the stories that captured readers’ attention this week.
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