Written by new-contact on Jan 23, 2012. Posted in On Location

Planning permission turned down for 'Project Pinewood' UK plan

A major expansion plan at Pinewood Studios in the UK has been halted. ‘Project Pinewood’ would have included a 100-acre set, but planning permission has been refused. The development would have included permanent sets for cities like New York, Venice and New Orleans.

Had the plan been approved, Pinewood would have spent GBP200 million on the construction. This would have included as many as 1,400 homes and a full village community for film workers involved with projects on the lot, in addition to the various street sets.

The company will continue to implement its master planning consents at Pinewood and Shepperton studios, and pursue its international strategy of developing studios overseas.

Pinewood Studios

Despite the benefits to the filmmaking community, the development had faced opposition throughout the planning process. Locals were concerned about the environmental impact, as the project was set to build on greenbelt land.

In a statement, Pinewood Studios said: “The company will continue to implement its master planning consents at Pinewood and Shepperton studios, and pursue its international strategy of developing studios overseas.”

The news is certainly a setback for the studio. Captain America recently doubled Manchester and Liverpool for 1940s New York, but may have been saved the trip north if suitable sets had been available at Pinewood.