2 December 2025

The major Marlow Studios scheme has received planning approval following review by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Dido Properties’ development will see the creation of a new media campus at a 56-acre brownfield site in Buckinghamshire. Situated next to the A404 at Little Marlow, the former quarry and landfill site will now be transformed to deliver an 18-soundstage production campus.

Designed by architects Wilkinson Eyre, the scheme will see the construction of 280,000 sq ft of production offices, 472,000 sq ft of soundstages and 410,000 sq ft of workshops, together with substantial supporting infrastructure, transport and landscaping works.

J:\Communications\Announcements\2025\Marlow Film Studio gets planning green light\Images

Commenting on the decision in a recent statement, Robert Laycock, Marlow Studios CEO, said: “For Buckinghamshire, this is a powerful vote of confidence in the coming generations. Regenerating a poorly landfilled site to enable new careers and pass on exceptional skills in this world-beating British industry is the right decision. It’s a signal to investors who aim for high quality development, done in the right way, through outstanding design that brings sustainable opportunities and benefits to their community. The decision is clear in its assessment that Marlow Studios will attract global investment, help the UK maintain its competitive creative edge, and will strengthen the West London film cluster.”

Commenting on the decision in a recent statement, Robert Laycock, Marlow Studios CEO, said: "For Buckinghamshire, this is a powerful vote of confidence in the coming generations. Regenerating a poorly landfilled site to enable new careers and pass on exceptional skills in this world-beating British industry is the right decision. It’s a signal to investors who aim for high quality development, done in the right way, through outstanding design that brings sustainable opportunities and benefits to their community. The decision is clear in its assessment that Marlow Studios will attract global investment, help the UK maintain its competitive creative edge, and will strengthen the West London film cluster.”

Waterman’s team has been supporting the scheme since inception. Our environmental and infrastructure specialists delivered the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and prepared both the Environmental Statement (ES) and subsequent ES Addendum reports in consultation with the local Planning Department. As part of this, we provided a wide range of supporting technical studies and reports, including transport, air quality, noise and vibration, archaeology, built heritage, ecology, arboricultural, ground conditions and contamination.

Marlow Studios development gets the go-ahead
“
This is fantastic news both for Buckinghamshire and for the thriving UK film industry. This was a truly collaborative effort, and it was a pleasure to work in partnership with Wilkinson Eyre and Marlow Studios to develop the design and breathe new life into this unused site. I look forward to seeing the project come to life over the coming years.

Andrew McDonald
Celebrating the award of planning approval, Waterman’s Director for Infrastructure and Environment

Want to learn more about how our specialists are helping unlock the potential of schemes across the UK? Head to our Planning and Design webpage by clicking here.