MP angered over government approval of film studio

An MP has said she is "deeply disappointed and angered" by the government's decision to approve building film studios on green belt land.

Buckinghamshire Council had refused the construction of Marlow Film Studios (MFS) but that decision was overturned following a public inquiry.

MFS chief executive Robert Laycock has said it is a "a real vote of confidence in the UK and in its creative industries".

But Conservative MP for Beaconsfield Joy Morrissey said the verdict "threatens the integrity of our green belt and sets a worrying precedent for the future".

"The people of Marlow made their views unequivocally clear, as did Buckinghamshire Council; this development is not wanted here," said Morrissey.

"This is not the end of the fight, and I will be speaking with local groups to discuss the next steps."

In 2024, Buckinghamshire Council rejected the proposal - earmarked for land adjacent to the A4155 Marlow Road - because of concerns about traffic, biodiversity and harm to the local landscape.

But on Wednesday, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook said the development would not have a "significantly adverse" effect on the landscape.

Developer Dido Property Limited wants to build workshops, offices, 18 sound stages, cafes and parking spaces.

It has been publicly supported by Hollywood names including Avatar creator James Cameron, Lord of the Rings actor Andy Serkis and James Bond director Sam Mendes.

Campaign group Save Marlow's Greenbelt, which has criticised the project over the years, said there were "numerous material weaknesses and errors" in the developer's plans

"We believe the development will cause significant and lasting harm to the environment, the local community, and the landscape," a spokesperson said.

"We will continue to defend Marlow's green belt against inappropriate development."

Anna Crabtree, a Liberal Democrat on Buckinghamshire Council, said she was "hugely" disappointed, adding: "This is the direct result of ill-thought-out planning changes and poor decision making, which threaten to destroy our green spaces."

The chairman of Marlow Studios' advisory board, who is former Conservative Culture Minister Lord Ed Vaizey, said the decision was "wonderful news for our world-beating film sector and wider creative industries".

"Marlow will also be a centre for cultivating the next generation of talent - teaching our young people the skills the industry needs, ensuring we have a workforce fit for the future," said Lord Vaizey.

"It will also be one of the most sustainable campuses of its kind, providing quality work and recreation space for both users and the local community.

"This is a great story for Britain, and one I'm proud to be a part of."