Marlow Film Studios: council officers pour cold water on plans backed by Titanic’s James Cameron

Buckinghamshire Highways Authority has recommended plans for a film studios near Marlow, backed by Titanic director James Cameron, be refused.

Council officers said Marlow Film Studios, planned for greenbelt land next to the A404 in Little Marlow, would likely lead to a ‘severe’ impact on nearby roads.

In October, Buckinghamshire council postponed a decision on the controversial application citing a need for more information on concerns including its impact on roads.

In a response submitted to the council’s planning portal, highways consultant Tim Thurley said:

“From the information submitted, it is considered that the additional traffic likely to be generated by the proposal would have a severe impact on the safety and flow of users of the existing distributor road network, and lead to additional on-street parking [going against planning policy].”

He warned traffic caused during construction, as well as a lack of ‘adequate provision’ of transport to the studios - other than private cars - would cause problems for roads.

Mr Thurley also pointed to ‘insufficient information’ submitted by the applicant Dido Property Ltd. to allow a full assessment of the studios’ impact to be made.

The developers submitted amended plans to the council in February, in response to issues raised around transport.

The reported £20 million investment in upgrades to road and transport infrastructure included putting on two new bus routes and changes to the Westhorpe Interchange - the junction connecting Marlow and Little Marlow with the A404. 

However, Mr Thurley said: “While it is noted that conditions on the A404 improve as part of the proposed changes to the Westhorpe Interchange, the fact that the proposed changes and the addition of development traffic cause such severe impacts to queueing and delay on the local highway network cannot be ignored.”

The film studios plans have proven controversial – residents in Marlow have called on their town council to resign over its backing for the plans.

But in the same week as officers submitted their objection, director James Cameron added his name to the studios’ supporters.

A letter submitted to the planning portal, signed by Mr Cameron said: “I’m impressed by the Marlow Film Studios masterplan.

“Situated at the heart of Europe’s most important screen economic zone, Marlow is tailored to the needs of filmed media in the 21st century and beyond.”

Mr Cameron said he predicted UK filmmaking would increase in demand as a ‘2D-3D revolution unfolds’ and that he saw Marlow as a potential European base for his 3D company.

He added: “I look forward to Marlow Film Studios opening its doors in support of the next evolution of 3D storytelling.”

Marlow Film Studios CEO Robert Laycock said: "The overall proposals represent a significant investment in the community, including a variety of local traffic infrastructure improvements, better active travel routes, and new bus services that would not happen otherwise. 

"We look forward to continuing the discussion and resolving the last few issues raised in the letter.”

Buckinghamshire council is expected to make a decision on Marlow Film Studios in the coming months.

To view the application in full, enter reference: 22/06443/FULEA into the council planning portal.