Temporary film backlot at Land East Of Rowley Lane, Borehamwood

What was proposed

The application sought three more years of backlot use, including filming, set construction, holding, feeding, parking and security areas.

“Continued use of land for a temporary period of three years for a backlot in association with Sky Studios Elstree, including set construction, filming, holding areas, feeding areas, parking areas, security areas and associated works together with continued use of the temporary access bridge.”

“Site Area 38600 square metres Density Not Applicable (No buildings to be erected) Mix Not Applicable (No buildings to be erected) Dimensions Max height of temporary structures Number of Car Parking Spaces No Formal parking spaces are proposed…”

Officer report

The site and access

The backlot lies behind the Sky Studios sound stages, with access only through the studios using an existing bridge.

“The application site comprises the Sky Studios backlot, a space to the rear of the existing Sky Studios sound stages development in Borehamwood which accommodates outdoor filming, construction of sets and film paraphernalia, holding areas, feeding areas, parking areas for industrial vehicles and associated works.”

“The site is an elongated triangle, with its base being parallel to the A1 trunk road to the East, and with its apex pointing westwards towards Rowley Lane. There is only one access to this site, which is through the studios site via a bridge that was installed for construction vehicles in 2020. The site is…”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

The land was previously an open Green Belt field, and an earlier permission allowed temporary backlot use for up to three years.

“Prior to the current use of the site, the application site was an open field located within the Metropolitan Green Belt. Planning permission was granted under application 20/0153/FUL, which allowed enabling works such as the demolition of existing structures, levelling of land etc., which included the land which comprises the application site, as well as the land to the south which now accommodates the Sky Studios development.”

“Following the grant of permission for the Sky Studios application under application 20/0315/FULEI, a separate planning application was submitted for the use of the application site as a filming backlot. Under this application, reference22/0044/FUL, it was agreed temporary permission would be given so that the land could be used as a backlot for up to 3 years, at which point the land would be ‘made good’ and returned to its former state.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers found substantial but temporary Green Belt harm, outweighed by the backlot’s economic benefits and importance to the studios’ operation.

“The importance of the backlot was highlighted by the Inspector in the appeal decision to grant permission for additional sound stages for Sky Studios (Reference APP/N1920/W/24/3354178), who stated: It has been essential to have a backlot under temporary permission and one of the benefits of this proposal is to secure a permanent backlot.”

“Officers consider that while harm to the Green Belt is considered substantial in accordance with Paragraph 143 of the NPPF, this harm would be temporary in nature for a time-period of only 3 years, at which point the land would be returned to its original state.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A Sky Studios vice president spoke in favour of the application.

What members discussed

A member asked about flood risk and drainage and was told that the Environment Agency had no concerns.

“A Member sought clarity on flood risk and drainage and was informed that the environment agency had seen all of the information and had no concerns.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Members agreed the recommendations, with 13 votes in favour, none against and no abstentions.

“It was proposed by Councillor C Gray and seconded by Councillor A Kaza that the recommendations as set out in the report be agreed.”

“For: (13 total) – Councillors M Allen, M Amron, G Briski, D Lambert, A Kaza, C Gray, H Green, C Shenton, C Myers, N Susman, P Richards and S Quilty. Against: (0 total) – None. Abstain: (0 total) – None. Total votes cast: 13”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted for the temporary backlot use.

“RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED. 321.4”

Minutes