Dear Sir/Madam,
Re: Marlow Film Studios (ref: 22/06443/FULEA).
I am writing in support of the planning application for Marlow Film Studios, a new film and television studio located on land adjacent to Marlow, within the Parish of Little Marlow.
The proposals will transform a low quality, neglected land infill site into a cultural and economic hub, supporting Buckinghamshire’s continued recognition as a global epicentre for film and television production.
The studios are forecast to generate up to 4,180 jobs and £338m of economic activity per year, which will provide economic opportunities for local businesses and residents which I fully support. Around two-thirds of production budgets are estimated to be spent in the local economy and associated supply chains which will further boost positive economic growth across all of Buckinghamshire and surrounding areas.
I support the education and skills commitments, including provision for traineeships for at least 300 new entrants over the first five years, and the proposed Culture and Skills Academy which will provide significant opportunities for the younger generation to gain the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to support a future career in the creative industries.
The transport plan, prepared in coordination with Buckinghamshire Council, will ensure the film studio application will be a major catalyst to making sustainable and public transport options more accessible for the surrounding communities. Connectivity will be improved through the creation of a new transport hub and two new bus services including a direct and half-hourly bus between Maidenhead and High Wycombe and a new half hourly hopper service around Marlow, Little Marlow and Bourne End.
As a new transport hub, providing a direct and half-hourly bus between Maidenhead and High Wycombe and a new half hourly hopper service around Marlow, Little Marlow and Bourne End, the film studio application will be a major catalyst to making sustainable and public transport options more accessible for the surrounding communities.
I also support the proposed Community Building, upgrades to cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, and delivery of a range of measures, including 25% of the site being used for public enjoyment and wildlife and additional offsite interventions, that aim to achieve a 20% biodiversity net gain in the natural environment within the local area.
I believe that the Marlow Film Studios application delivers immense socio-economic benefits, meets the need for film and television facilities, achieves local and national government policy objectives, and adds to the co-location priorities of the West London Cluster.
For the reasons set out above in this letter, I believe very special circumstances are delivered to justify the granting of consent for Marlow Film Studios. In summary, I strongly support the application for Marlow Film Studios and urge you to grant consent.
Yours Truly,