Buckinghamshire Council is ‘committed’ to helping the wildlife and environment despite complaints by residents about a film set being built in Little Marlow.

After the set was put up near the Spade Oak Nature Reserve at the end of September/start of October, many locals have shared their displeasure due to the loud noise and bright lights being heard and seen in the village.

READ MORE: Huge film set built in Little Marlow near Spade Oak Nature Reserve

Large marquees have been erected on the site which can be seen from the resident’s houses, with one person telling the Free Press earlier this month that whilst they are excited that the film set is in the village, ‘it is the wrong place for it.’

Following the initial complaints, Wild Marlow, a group of animal and plant enthusiasts who live in the town, also revealed their displeasure as they believe the film set and equipment could have a ‘negative impact on wildlife, including protected species’ in the area.

However, Buckinghamshire Council has since responded by saying that they are committed to helping the wildlife in the village as well as improving the habitat.

READ MORE: Little Marlow film set near Spade Oak Nature Reserve could stay for three years

A spokesperson from Buckinghamshire Council said: “The film set at this site is there under Permitted Development Rights (not planning permission) – this is a measure that the government introduced to help facilitate film making in the UK.

“It gives them temporary rights for filming.

"The film company are using an adjacent field, as their ancillary car parking and props storage/dressing rooms, etc. (comprising marquees).

“The current planning application is of a technical nature, to cover the risk of the film set use over-running its ‘Permitted Development’ period, due to the risk of further Covid and/or winter weather delays - it’s not to perpetuate such use.

READ MORE: Concerns grow at the Little Marlow film set near Spade Oak Nature Reserve

“The Council has been advised from the outset by a Consultant Ecologist, to ensure the impact of the film set use has not had ‘negative impacts on wildlife’ and is committed to a programme of ‘BNG’ (Biodiversity Net Gain) i.e. investment in habitat improvement, linked to the temporary film set use.

“The access road has long been in use by Thames Water’s HGVs, servicing the adjoining water treatment plant.

“The actual set, which is on the former gravel processing works yard, is well screened from ‘The Spit’ (the ‘island’ in the Lake), which is the main area of the nature reserve.

“Filming itself isn’t due to start until early 2021 and is expected to be completed by the spring.”

READ MORE: Concerns grow over wildlife welfare at the Spade Oak Nature Reserve due to film set

It is alleged that the film set will be used for the new Star Wars movie which is due to be released in December 2022.

We have contacted Disney for a comment but have yet to receive a response.