Windsor and Maidenhead Council support the refusal of the studio complex

A council will defend its decision to refuse permission for a huge new film studio complex at a public inquiry.

The fate of the project to build sound stages, offices and workshops in Holyport, near Maidenhead, will ultimately be decided by Deputy Minister and Housing Minister Angela Rayner.

Investment company Greystoke Land said it would become the country’s third largest film studios and it would create 1,500 jobs to land at Gays Lane.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) refused to grant planning permission in March, citing its impact on the green belt.

Adam Bermange, the council’s cabinet member for planning, said: “We stand by our decision to refuse permission for a film studio in Holyport and will defend this at the public inquiry next month.

“We cannot comment further as the appeals process is still ongoing.”

Greystoke appealed to the Planning Inspectorate to overturn RBWM’s decision and a hearing will begin on November 12.

It is said there are “very special circumstances” which mean the action must go ahead and that the council has exaggerated the damage that would be done to the green belt.

Ms Rayner will make the final decision following the investigation on the recommendation of a planning inspector.

In a letter to RBWM, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said it had made the decision to adopt it because it has “more than just local significance”.