Film studio workshop at Longcross Studios Longcross North, Longcross

“The current application relates to the permanent retention of an existing building located to the north west of the film studio site. There is existing woodland to the north, west and east, with the railway line behind the northern site boundary.”

“APPLICATION DETAILS 3.1. Full planning permission for the retention of film studio workshop building 1 (previously granted temporary planning permission under reference RU.19/1851 and RU.23/0651). The building was constructed following planning permission granted under reference RU.19/1851 and is in use as a workshop ancillary to and supporting the current film studios, this includes film set creation.”

“The application site comprises a building located close to the northern boundary within the wider ‘Longcross North’ site. The site is within the western half of the northern site which is currently in film studio use and occupied by Netflix.”

“The site was previously occupied by the Defence Evaluation & Research Agency (DEFRA) and many former DERA buildings remain in active use by Netflix as Film Studios, including buildings outside the application site within the Surrey Heath land. Access to the northern site is via the roundabout junction off Chobham Lane, with existing informal points of access exist from Burma Road to the west.”

“Reference Details RU.23/0651 Variation to Condition 2 (removal of buildings) and 4 (limited time period) of planning approval RU.19/1851 (The erection of three replacement film studio workshops; a management office and associated car parking area; and a security hut for a temporary period of five years) to amend the date referenced within the conditions. It is noted that only Workshop 1 has been constructed and is in use on site as a workshop supporting the film studio use.”

“CONCLUSIONS 10.1. Netflix have invested in the site at Longcross and the retention of the buildings supports the continued operation of the film studios which is an important contributor to the economy of the Borough and the maintenance of employment within the Enterprise Zone and therefore accords with Policy IE2 and IE3.”

“FORMAL OFFICER RECOMMENDATION Grant consent subject to the following planning conditions: List of approved plans The details hereby approved shall not be carried out except in complete accordance with the following approved plans and documents: Location Plan - 4075-AXM-W1-XX-PL-0001 Workshop 1 Plans and Elevations – SBR-FS-XX-DR-A-80104 Rev 1 Reason: To ensure high quality design and to comply with Policy EE1 of the Runnymede 2030 Local Plan and guidance in the NPPF”

“Consultee Comments Natural England No Objection Based on the plans submitted, Natural England considers that the proposed development will not have significant adverse impacts on statutorily protected nature conservation sites or landscapes.”

“LLFA Objection – Insufficient information has been provided. The re-submitted drainage strategy statement covers the previous planning application for the temporary buildings. Up to date information is required to confirm the drainage proposal for building 1 were constructed as proposed and have continued to function as intended, evidence should be supplied to demonstrate this.”

“Clarity was sought by a committee member on why the site had previously been given temporary planning permission, and why now the application was for permanent permission.”

“Officers advised that the temporary permission was granted prior to adoption of the Local Plan when the site was in the green belt. Following the adoption of the Local Plan the site was removed from the green belt.”

“The HoP was authorised to grant planning permission subject to: • Conditions 1-2”

“Within 6 months of the date of this planning approval, detailed drainage information shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority to confirm that the drainage for the building hereby approved has been constructed and continues to function in accordance with the drainage strategy details as submitted and approved under RU.19/1851.”