Pinewood unveils expansion plans

Studio consults with local community

This follows the rejection earlier this year of planning permission for its Project Pinewood scheme, which would have built extensive new facilities next to the existing studio.

Pinewood toppers argue that without major investment in improving its infrastructure, the studio cannot remain globally competitive over the next 20 years.

"We must respond effectively to the growing demand and compete on an equal footing; otherwise Pinewood will fall behind its international competitors," said Ivan Dunleavy, chief exec of the Pinewood Shepperton group.

"Increasingly producers require the cost efficiencies that come from the co-location of creative skills, production experience and infrastructure for which Pinewood Studios has been renowned. We are determined to respond to the opportunity to create jobs and growth in this vibrant sector of the U.K. economy."

Project Pinewood was derailed by strong opposition by local residents, notably to its inclusion of plans for new housing as part of the extended studio lot.

It is understood that Pinewood's latest proposals do not include residential housing.

The studio is consulting with the local community, as well as "national stakeholders, and the producers and developers of creative content," according to a company statement.