News

Pinewood Studios granted permission for expansion and new nature reserve

Acting on behalf of Pinewood Studios, Turley has helped secure approval from Buckinghamshire Council on plans for a 1.4 million sq ft expansion at Pinewood Studios. The investment will deliver 21 new purpose-built sound stages, a backlot filming space, education and training hub and a publicly accessible nature reserve.

We provided expert Planning, Strategic Communications, EIA, Sustainability, Economics and Heritage & Townscape services for the expansion which will deliver substantial economic and social benefits for the county and region – creating over 8,000 new jobs and injecting £640 million a year into the UK economy. Once the development is complete, Pinewood Studios will be the biggest studio complex in the world, with a total of 51 purpose-built stages.

The consent allows Pinewood to deliver a 63 acre nature reserve at Alderbourne Farm north of the existing studio site. The publicly accessible reserve will protect existing habitats and enhance local biodiversity, as well as provide new footpaths, thereby creating a community asset.

The approved expansion will directly address the continued growth in demand for production accommodation in the UK.

Sara Dutfield, Director, Head of Planning South East said:

“This has been such an exciting project to work on and we’re thrilled to have received the approval. Our cross service, multi-disciplinary team has worked hard to ensure a positive outcome for Pinewood which will deliver major benefits for the area and the industry. We’re looking forward seeing work begin.”

Pinewood Group Corporate Affairs Director Andrew M Smith OBE DL said:

“We’re delighted Buckinghamshire Council has approved our plans for the expansion of Pinewood Studios and new nature reserve at Alderbourne Farm. This development will provide invaluable resources to the British film and TV sector, consolidate Pinewood’s status as the UK’s leading production site, deliver significant benefits to our local community and encourage new talent to join the industry.”

17 February 2023

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