Pinewood Studios appeals $300m expansion rejection

South Buckinghamshire District Council (SBDC) turned down Pinewood’s proposal earlier this month, which it said would be an “inappropriate” expansion into green belt land.

The Pinewood Studios Development Framework would have seen studios, stages workshops, production offices and streetscapes for filming built across a 100,000 sq m area in a bid to deliver growth for the next 15-20 years, and a report to the council claimed the project would generate spending of around £400m a year for the UK economy and the creation of 3,100 additional jobs.

Following the rejection, Pinewood has today submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

Ivan Dunleavy, Pinewood Shepperton chief executive, said: “The need for Pinewood’s expansion is more pressing now than it has ever been and the Pinewood Board remains committed to the Pinewood Studios Development Framework.

“In relation to this scheme the government has clarified its policy support for the screen based industries.

“The proposals have received overwhelming support from  leading global figures and companies in the creative industries, business groups, national and local businesses and members of the local community.

“We expect a decision to be taken by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government by the end of the year.”