Windsor and Maidenhead Council to back studio complex refusal

A city council will defend its decision to refuse permission for a huge new film studio complex at a public inquiry.

The destination of the project to build sound studios, offices and workshops in Holyport, near Maidenhead, will finally be decided by the Deputy Minister and Secretary of Housing, Angela Rayner.

Investment company Greystoke Land said it would be the country’s third-largest film studio and that bring 1,500 jobs to land at Gays Lane.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) refused to grant planning permission in March, citing its impact on the green belt.

Adam Bermange, the council’s cabinet member for planning, said: “We stand by our decision to refuse permission for a film studio in Holyport and will defend it at the public inquiry next month.

“We cannot comment further as the appeal process is ongoing.”

Greystoke appealed to the Planning Inspectorate to overturn the RBWM decision and the hearing will begin on November 12.

He said there are “very special circumstances” which mean it should go ahead and that the council has exaggerated the damage that would be done to the green belt.

Mrs Rayner will make the final decision following the recommendation of a planning inspector following the investigation.

In a letter to RBWM, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said it had made the decision to determine it because it has “more than local significance”.