Pinewood Studios: Expansion plans go before Bucks councillors

Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire wants to add studios, stages and streetscapes to its film studios

Plans for the £200m expansion of film company Pinewood Studios are to go before councillors this week.

The 15-year project includes building studios, stages and streetscapes at the site in Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire.

A report to South Buckinghamshire District Council says it has received 254 letters supporting the plans - which could create 3,100 jobs.

But nearby parish councils oppose the plans as an "inappropriate" expansion into green belt land.

'Significant economic harm'

Last year the government rejected a previous project, which included more than 1,000 homes, as it would be "inappropriate in the green belt".

The studios, home to more than 1,500 films over 76 years, were used to film the latest James Bond instalment, Skyfall, as well as the Oscar-nominated hit Les Miserables.

The report says Pinewood Studios "recognises" the plans would see development of the green belt but adds that the "development is needed to maintain and expand UK film, television and screen-based industries".

The firm says if the plans are refused "significant harm" will be done to the UK economy.

The report says Iver Parish Council objects to the plans because they would have a "harmful impact on the character of the area".

Fulmer Parish Council says: "Roads around the site are narrow and unsuited to commercial vehicles."

The council's planning committee meets on Wednesday.