The government has approved the plans for Marlow Film Studios in Buckinghamshire, ending a long-running planning dispute. The project is a £750 million film studio complex at Little Marlow on green belt land adjacent to the A404. The development will include multiple sound stages, workshops, backlots, and associated facilities.

The scheme has support from major industry figures, including James Cameron, and is designed to serve as a flagship hub for high-end film and television production in the UK.

Buckinghamshire Council originally refused permission in 2024 due to concerns over green belt impact, traffic, and local effects. The developer, Dido Property Ltd, appealed the decision. Following a public inquiry, the Planning Inspector recommended approval. Housing Secretary Steve Reed, with formal approval signed by minister Matthew Pennycook, accepted the recommendation, citing circumstances that outweigh potential harm to the green belt.

The studio is expected to create approximately 4,000 jobs and attract significant domestic and international investment into the UK’s screen industries. Plans include a skills academy focused on digital and AI-enabled production techniques, aimed at developing local talent and supporting the wider growth of the creative sector.

Supporters of the project highlight the decision as a demonstration of government backing for the creative industries and as positioning the UK as a leading location for large-scale studio projects. Opponents, including local campaigners and Beaconsfield MP Joy Morrissey, express concern that the approval undermines green belt protections and may set a precedent for further large developments in South Buckinghamshire.

With outline permission granted, developers can now move forward with detailed design, discharge planning conditions, and prepare for construction at the Little Marlow site. While legal challenges or further local campaigning remain possible, the approval marks a decisive step toward the creation of the new film studio.