Dear Sir/Madam,
Re: Marlow Film Studios (ref: 22/06443/FULEA).
I am writing in support of the application for Marlow Film Studios, a film studio planned on former landfill next to the A404, within the parish of Little Marlow.
Despite the poor condition of the site, it is in the Metropolitan Green Belt. I understand that because of this designation, special reasons are needed for planning permission to be granted on this site. Looking objectively, I believe the positive benefits substantially overcome any negative issues.
Jobs and Careers
Providing sustainable jobs and careers are important for the long-term prosperity of any community. For local people, this should be a key determinant in judging the appropriateness of this application.
This project stands to be one of Bucks’ most meaningful investments in employment and local infrastructure. It is also a key to unlocking the potential in the local creative economy. Many of today’s young people are drawn to employment in this sector. This will be an iconic, world-leading facility that will attract other businesses to the area. For local people, particularly those of employment age, this project offers real hope for the longer term in providing investment into the local community.
Bucks’ global role
Marlow Film Studios will give Bucks and the UK a continuing competitive advantage, supported by local jobs and talent. The UK Government have recently reinforced this with a £10m contribution to the expansion to the National Film & Television School in Beaconsfield.
Bucks can truly lay claim to global leadership in the creative economy. But to underpin this, we need to develop the pipeline of local creative talent to tackle the skills shortage that the industry needs to address, particularly in technology. The Studios have made clear and costed commitments as part of their application. Embedded in their plans are strong links to the local educational community, bridging the industry, local talent, and the creative sector.
Diversity
For local people, the Studios will also be close to one of the more culturally diverse parts of Buckinghamshire. Around 25% of High Wycombe’s population is from the non-White British community, including those of Indian, Afro-Caribbean, Pakistani heritage. The Studios’ partnerships with institutions such as Buckinghamshire College Group will provide access points to the creative economy for an under-represented diverse community as part of Wycombe’s regeneration challenge.
Environment and design
As to the buildings themselves, the Marlow Film Studios’ design puts great emphasis on providing a well-designed and landscaped environment with new cycle and walking routes. In the last 80 years, the site has seen considerable degradation from being a prisoner of war camp, mineral workings, the A404 construction, to the disposal of thousands of tons of landfill waste. The creation of new spaces improving wildlife and plant diversity is an exciting opportunity as part of this project.
Traffic and Transport
Being immediately off the A404 Westhorpe roundabout, the Studios also represent a rare chance to fund necessary upgrades to local transport constraints. The way the 50-year-old Westhorpe interchange operates causes increasing jams on the high-speed road with dangerous consequences. The Westhorpe improvements offered by the Studios will provide a better operating, safer network.
The transport proposals, prepared in discussion with Buckinghamshire Council, also improve connectivity. The creation of a new hub for fully funded new public bus services link to the Elizabeth Line and Wycombe for longer-distance journeys.
Conclusion
I accept that the construction of any major global facility comes with pluses and minuses, but in the case of the Marlow Film Studios I believe the strong benefits robustly and significantly outweigh the negative considerations, and so I strongly support the planning application.
