Film studio plan approved for former RAF base

A film studio is planned for Tattersett Business Park in Norfolk

A project that it is claimed could create 600 jobs and attract Hollywood stars has secured final approval.

North Norfolk District Council has approved businessman Roger Gawn's plans to create a film studio at Tattersett Business Park, on a former RAF base near Fakenham.

An outline application was approved in December 2024, on the proviso that nutrient neutrality restrictions – rules to prevent river pollution – were resolved.

After lengthy discussions with Natural England, Anglian Water and flood experts, the scheme has now been granted planning permission by council officers.

The water firm had objected after it was approved by the council last year, citing "insufficient infrastructure capacity" in the area.

It continued to object as late as last month, saying the nearest water treatment plant would be unable to cope with the additional pressure placed upon it.

To address the issue, a series of conditions was suggested by the firm, but the council proposed its own and called on the developer to provide a detailed explanation for how it would dispose of foul water.

Mr Gawn's film studio would be close to Syderstone Common, a site of special scientific interest.

However, Natural England officials decided there would not be a direct impact on the protected area.

It was thought the project would cost £50m-£100m. It could also create 350 direct jobs and a further 250 indirect ones, reported the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The proposed layout of the film studio at Tattersett

Mr Gawn, who owns Melton Hall stately home in nearby Melton Constable, is best known for his vast tyre collection located at the same 37-acre Tattersett, which was previously part of RAF Sculthorpe.

He has been in the process of removing the tyres for several years.

Mr Gawn has previously said he had investors lined up for the film studio, as well as interest "in the pipeline" from film and television producers.

During the Cold War, the site was home to up to 10,000 United States Air Force servicemen, flying nuclear bombers from its runways.

It is now known as the Sculthorpe Training Area, with former technical and administrative buildings sold to form the business park.

The development would include five sound stages on which to shoot films, along with workshops and other offices.