National Highways has renewed its recommendation on the proposed Marlow Film Studios, setting a new evaluation date for the project.

The government-owned company uploaded a document to Buckinghamshire Council's planning portal on July 24 recommending that "permission not be granted" for the project "for a specified period of 56 days" until September 14.

The document stated that ongoing workstreams continue to shape National Highway's understanding of the impact the development would have on the "safe and efficient operation of the strategic road network (SRN)". 

Among the ongoing inquiries are a review of the VISSIM traffic model, a forthcoming Framework Travel Plan and an ongoing review of junction 4 on the M40 at Handy Cross.

A walking, cycling and horse-riding assessment (WCHAR) and GG 119 compliant road safety audit are also ongoing and National Highways has emphasised their interest in how the A404 and specifically the Westhorpe Interchange would be impacted by the project.

Richard Sherwin, chair of local environmental campaign group Save Marlow's Greenbelt, said the new document highlighted the developers' "failure to address traffic issues".

He added: "It's not for me to justify the overall need for film studios in the area but the ongoing inquiries show that this is not the right site for the development. 

"Dido Property Limited (the company behind Marlow Film Studios) are not doing this for the benefit of the people of Marlow or to create jobs. It's to line their own pockets."

A spokesperson for Marlow Film Studios said they were "committed to delivering transport solutions to benefit those who live and work in Buckinghamshire".

Adding: "We continue to work with the Highways Agency regarding our proposed transport plans which include a range of upgrades such as the introduction of smart signals at Westhorpe Junction to future-proof a 50-year-old road layout for residents.

"We will also be introducing a brand new bus service connecting Marlow to High Wycombe and to the Elizabeth Line in Maidenhead."

A member of Marlow Living Streets Group, a collective formed of volunteer residents passionate about decreasing pollution and congestion, also submitted a representation to the planning portal on July 24.

They stated their support for the original concepts to "improve sustainable access to and around the studios site" and to "promote and encourage active travel" but voiced concern over the additional cycle lane proposed in an appendix submitted to the portal on July 3. 

Mr Sherwin also raised concern over the stalling of Sunset Studios' plans to build a production base in Hertfordshire, which was put on hold in early July reportedly due to cost inflation and rising interest rates.

He suggested that similar economic issues might affect the decision made about the Marlow Film Studios project by Buckinghamshire Council, but a spokesperson for the studios emphasised that they were not worried about the aforementioned factors and remained "confident" in the success of the UK film industry.

Click here to view the planning application for Marlow Film Studios.