Shepperton Pinewood’s “Project Pinewood” rejected. - Simon Bird QC & Melissa Murphy

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has rejected Shepperton Pinewood’s proposal to create a purpose built film industry community in the South Bucks Green Belt.  The proposal involving 1400 dwellings (including 420 affordable units) constructed within permanent streetscapes designed to accommodate film making was recommended for rejection by the Inspector.  The Secretary of State agreed, finding the proposal would:

1. Destroy the concept of the site as part of the open Green Belt;
2. Significantly alter the landscape character and appearance of the area to its detriment and run counter to the aims of the Colne Valley Park;
3. Be located in an inherently unsustainable location;

He also concluded although the importance of the creative and screen-based industries to the UK and the importance of Pinewood Studios within those industries was fully recognised, the cultural and economic benefits of the filming streetscapes was unproven.  The benefits of the scheme did not clearly outweigh the harms it would cause and therefore the appeal was dismissed.

South Bucks District Council had opposed the development and were represented by Simon Bird QC and Melissa Murphy at the Inquiry.

The full decision and inspector’s report can be viewed here.