Council Rejects Pinewood Expansion

South Bucks District Council has rejected a £200m planning application for the expansion of Pinewood Studios.
The news follows a meeting of South Bucks District Council Planning Committee on 15 May, during which Pinewood's planning application for an increase in studio capacity by 100,000 square metres was refused.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Ralph Bagge said: "The Pinewood proposal is one of the most contentious and difficult planning applications that the Council has had to deal with, probably since the decision to refuse permission in 2009 for the 'Project Pinewood' proposal, a decision which was later upheld on appeal.
"Pinewood acknowledge that their proposals are contrary to Green Belt policy, but have argued very strongly that there were exceptional reasons for allowing their proposals."
Mr Bagge added: "Having carefully considered all the arguments for and against the proposals, the Committee was on balance of the view that to have allowed this development of over 110 acres in the Green Belt and Colne Valley Park, would not only have caused significant degradation to the local environment but also harmed the quality of life for local residents.
"The Council has a strong track record of defending the Green Belt against inappropriate development for the wider benefit of all those who live and work in the District. The very fact South Bucks remains such a desirable place to reside in is due in no small part to the protection afforded by our Green Belt policies."
Ivan Dunleavy, Chief Executive, Pinewood Shepperton plc said: "This is a disappointing decision by the local planning authority. It is hard to believe, given the country's economic difficulties that SBDC would turn down a £200m project creating 3,100 jobs in the vibrant and growing film and television sectors. The Company remains committed to the Pinewood Studios Development Framework and we will be studying the decision with our legal and planning team and expect to appeal the decision to the Secretary of State."
Pinewood initially submitting the planning application on 1 February 2013, following public consultation with a wide range of local and national stakeholders, as well as with producers and developers of creative conten.
The Pinewood Studios Development Framework is a long term scheme designed to address increasing global demand for capacity in the UK and deliver growth for the next 15-20 years.
It comprises expansion of the existing Pinewood Studios by adding a total of 100,000 sq m of new facilities, including studios and stages, workshops, production offices and streetscapes for filming.
But Mr Bagge remarked: "It is important to stress that this decision should not be seen as anti-Pinewood. The Council fully recognises the importance of Pinewood to the local and wider economy and has been very supportive of the company over many years. We will continue in that support of Pinewood’s existing thriving site.
"It is of course open to Pinewood to appeal the Council’s refusal decision and if they do so then a Government Inspector will hold an Inquiry and decide whether to support the Council’s refusal or to grant permission against the local decision. The Council will continue to defend its Green Belt policies robustly and actively in the event of an appeal."
Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of the British Film Commission and Film London said: "This is obviously disappointing news for Pinewood and we hope they can work to satisfy the objections of the planning committee. We believe an expansion of one of the country’s finest studio facilities would provide real benefit by capitalising on the success of the UK as a destination for major film and television production, a sector which has delivered billions of pounds worth of investment for the UK economy, and created thousands of jobs."
www.pinewoodgroup.com/pinewoodexpansion
(IT/CD)