James Cameron-Backed $950M UK Film Studio Refused Planning Permission

The £750M ($950M) UK film studio backed by James Cameron and other big names has been denied planning permission.

Buckinghamshire Council backed a recommendation from its planning officers that Marlow Film Studios’ plans be refused.

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Campaign groups had previously argued that the plans for the Marlow quarry area were inappropriate and the development has proved controversial in the area for months. According to local newspaper the Bucks Free Press, the leader of Marlow Town Council had previously said he and fellow members were “taking legal advice” after receiving “libellous abuse” for their perceived support of the project.

Robert Laycock, chief executive of Marlow Film Studios, told the BBC he is considering next steps.

“We are disappointed the committee was not able to support this extraordinary proposal,” he said. “It is one of the most significant investment opportunities in the future of Buckinghamshire and its residents.”

The studio, one of a number currently being forged in the UK amid the film and high-end TV boom, had been backed by the likes of Cameron, Sam Mendes and Andy Serkis.

Titanic auteur Cameron wrote a letter to the council several weeks back in support of the plans while floating Marlow as a potential base and training centre for Lightstorm3D, a company he set up to develop tools and technology for movies. He had said the 22.5% of global box office the UK delivered in 2023 would “grow as a result” of Marlow, which is in South East England.

A raft of new film and TV studios have been popping up all over the UK the past few years and Marlow was one of the most expensive. James Corden’s Fulwell 73 is behind another, the £450M Crown Works Studios in the north east of England, while Stirling Studios in Scotland was revealed last month.

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