A MAJOR multi-million pound project to build film studios near Marlow has revealed its latest plans for transport.

Marlow Films Studios has put forward proposals to build a new roundabout off the A4155 , a bus route and eco-friendly cycle lanes and walking routes. 

Plans for the studio development, in Little Marlow near the Westhorpe Interchange on the A404, were originally submitted to Buckinghamshire Council in May 2022 with further proposals submitted this month.

Planners on behalf of the project has been seeking advice from the council and Buckinghamshire Highway Authority to assess planning permissions, travel access and the needs of the community. 

Proposed in the latest addendum to the studio plans is a public bus route to improve links between Marlow and High Wycombe and the Elizabeth Line. 

Also submitted were plans for a hopper shuttle service connecting Marlow, Little Marlow and Bourne End.

Additionally, the Film Studios proposed improvements to the A4155 Marlow Road entrance, to include a roundabout and a pedestrian and cycling crossing.

A cycleway along the A404 and enhancements to existing Public Rights of Way and recreational paths were also submitted.

Marlow Film Studios CEO, Robert Laycock, said: “We are committed to ensuring the studios becomes an integral part of the cultural and educational facilities in the community with a culture and skills academy, studio hub and other facilities, all of which are provided in a setting with enhancements to habitats, recreational access and improved public transport.”

The Film Studios estimate the new development will create up to 4,180 new jobs and contribute £380 million to the local economy.

Alongside the recently approved expansion to Pinewood Studios in Iver, Marlow Film Studios would be incremental in making Buckinghamshire a key UK destination for high-end television and film production.

Although a review commissioned by Buckinghamshire Council and carried out by Lambert Smith Hampton threw some doubt on the site’s economic suitability, it did conclude: “We are supportive of any studio development that adds to the UK infrastructure and capacity, which is something that if built out, Marlow Film Studios would undoubtedly do.”

READ MORE: Marlow Film Studios: Economic review throws doubt on development

Responses from Marlow residents to the development have also been mixed, with some raising environmental concerns about the studios being built on Greenbelt land.

The Film Studios has, however, received support from local and national bodies including the British Film Commission, Buckinghamshire New University and The Bucks College Group. 

The Marlow Film Studios planning application will be determined by Buckinghamshire Council later this year.