Inquiry into Marlow Film Studios concludes as final arguments are presented online. A decision is expected from Angela Rayner.
Lawyers for Dido and the council will speak. McDonald will then share her findings. Angela Rayner will make the final decision. She decides if they can build the studios. The inquiry started January 21 in High Wycombe.
Experts, lawyers, and locals gave their views. They discussed Dido’s plans for film studios. Dido wanted 18 sound stages and 19 workshops. They planned car parking for 1,117 vehicles.
Offices and backlots were also in the proposal. The site is south of Marlow Road, next to the A404 junction. The plan included an “entrance square” with cafes and bike storage.
There would also be a crèche and fitness rooms. They also planned a studio hub with screening rooms.
They envisioned a community building. A bridge would link plots four and five, connecting to the backlot. A new roundabout near the A4155 was also planned. The council rejected the plans in May 2024.
They cited the studios’ impact on the green belt. Dido disagreed and appealed the council’s decision. The council thought it was inappropriate development. They said it would harm the green belt visually.
Dido’s lawyers say the land is not a good green belt. They claim the former quarry is “grey belt”. This term describes lower quality land. Sasha White KC represents Dido in this case.
Wildlife groups disagree with Dido’s claim. They point to many bird species on site. Residents use the area for recreation, too. Economist Thorsten Polleit lives nearby.
He said building the studios would hurt the green belt and thinks that it is a very bad project. Residents question the need for studios. They cite film projects going back to Hollywood.
They also note Pinewood Studios closed its TV unit. Some locals support the film studios. Philip Ball runs a film business in Marlow. He says there is a need for studio space. Disney had trouble filming in the area.