Marlow Town Council criticised for backing film studio plans after private meeting

Marlow Town Council has faced criticism from members of the public over a private meeting where councillors declared support for the controversial Marlow Film Studios application.

Buckinghamshire Council is set to take a decision on whether to approve the multi-million pound development at a strategic sites committee meeting on Monday.

The studios, which could be built on more than 35 hectares of greenbelt land next to the A404 in Little Marlow, have faced widespread opposition from campaigners who want to protect Marlow’s open space.

但根据文档提交给白金汉shire Council ahead of Monday’s meeting, Marlow Town Council has backed the proposals after holding a behind-closed doors meeting on August 24.

The planning documents state: “Marlow Town Council informally consulted its entire membership group at a members’ only meeting (not an official council meeting) through a democratic extensive debate and discussion on August 24.

“By majority vote, we have decided to fully support this application and not raise any objections to the proposed development.”

The town council held a meeting at Court Garden House on Monday and faced questions from a packed room of residents.

One member of the public said: “If councillors – who are democratically elected – feel that they can have meetings with no minutes whatsoever and they think they’re going to get it through, I ask them to consider their positions, and their integrity, and resign.”

Another resident, Emma Hawkins, said she felt Marlow had been ‘let down’ by the council’s decision.

She said: “I am thoroughly disappointed that more of you haven’t bothered to ask more of us on the Westhorpe estate and the Gunthorpe estate. We are the poorer members of society. The people living in million-pound houses, that think the studio is great, will not see it – I will see it.”

The town council did not answer any questions from the public but town councillor Richard Scott said councillors were entitled to hold informal meetings.

He did apologise for any confusion caused though.

Speaking after the meeting, Little Marlow Parish Councillor and member of Save Marlow’s Green Belt, Sam Kershaw said he thought residents had expressed the town’s ‘true feelings.’

He said: “I think they really do want the studios to be refused. There’s obvious disappointment in the behaviour of Marlow Town Council, but I think the main message was that nobody wants it.”

A Marlow Film Studios spokesperson said: “Local support and the significant support shown throughout Buckinghamshire has been impressive. This echoes the strength of our vision to transform spoiled land alongside the A404 into a once in a generation opportunity which young people are particularly attuned to, bringing exceptional benefits to the community and wider region.

“The 4,000 jobs, hundreds of educational places, upgraded transport infrastructure and a local economic injection of £3.5billion over the coming decade and beyond plus the community benefits which follow, are appreciated by those who balance the substance of the proposals.”