Film studio redevelopment at Longcross Studios, Longcross, Chertsey

“The proposal seeks a partial redevelopment of the site, primarily focused on Longcross North, to deliver increased capacity for filming including 4 new stages and permanent backlot facilities together with additional workshops, associated parking and access improvements. 1.2The proposed development is considered acceptable in principle meeting national and local objectives in respect of economic growth, redevelopment of existing employment sites and job creation.”

“Longcross Rail station and Travel Plan auditing fee. There would be a single legal agreement with the contributions sought to cover the development as a whole, and the agreement will include Surrey Heath, RBC and Surrey County Council as signatories. 2.0SITE DESCRIPTION 2.1The wider application site covers an area of 13.2 hectares, 4.7 hectares of which falls within Surrey Heath and 8.5 hectares within Runnymede.”

“As detailed in full in the planning history below, this phased redevelopment was a hybrid planning application for a mix of uses including, inter alia, 200 dwellings, and has been part implemented. Longcross South does not fall within the Green Belt and is designated as a Core Employment Site.”

“2.2To the north of the site is Longcross Train station which runs adjacent to the site, beyond it the open grounds of Wentworth Golf Club. To the east is residential development (Upper Longcross), with the M3 sited towards the south, and Chobham Common to the west. 2.3The site had formerly operated as a vehicle testing facility for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), forming part of crown land.”

“Health and Leisure (up to 1900sqm GEA); the creation of Publicly Accessible Open Space (PAOS), ecological habitats, general amenity areas (including informal and formal open spaces), equipped play areas and landscaped areas; new vehicular accesses from the existing public highway network; vehicle and cycle parking; bin stores; landscape compound; car parking (for railway station); electricity sub-stations; lighting; drainage and associated infrastructure works, including…”

“Green Belt appropriateness and harm • Impact on the character and appearance of the area. • Impact on residential amenity. • Impact on access, highway safety and parking capacity. • Impact on flood risk and drainage. • Impact on biodiversity and ecology. • Other matters. 7.4Principle of the Development 7.4.1Policy DM13 is relevant. Emerging policy ER2 designates the site as a Strategic Employment Site.”

“7.4.7There is therefore a strategic vision to provide a more intensive form of employment use on this site as set out in the SH Employment Land Technical Paper 2023, to help meet local and national employment and economic objections. There has been a significant growth in demand in this industry, and national reports show a shortage of high quality studio space, in particular spaces that can accommodate specialised sets like this development would be able to.”

“Contaminated Land Assessment • Energy and Sustainability Assessment • Noise Impact Assessment • External Lighting Assessment • Site Waste Management Plan • Delivery and Servicing Plan • Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment • Fire Statement • Archaeology Assessment • Air Quality Assessment • Economics Benefit Statement • Backlot Operational Management Plan 5.0CONSULTATION RESPONSES 5.1The following external consultees were consulted, and their comments are summarised in the table…”

“The site would be retained as a film studio use, and there is no justification to remove all permitted development rights. A condition to restrict the subdivision of the site is considered reasonable. Details of employee numbers have been set out in the application submissions. SCC Countryside Access teamRaise no objection. Environment Agency Raise no objection subject to land contamination condition given former uses of the site.”

“Members queried what benefits the application would bring to the local area and also discussed potential light pollution and construction traffic. The case officer explained that conditions attached secured a Sensitive Light Management Plan and Construction Management Plan.”

“The Head of Built Environment and Regulation agreed to update Members after the meeting on how Business Rates regarding Longcross Studios were managed by the council.”

“The officer’s recommendation to grant the application, subject to conditions and a legal agreement was proposed by Councillor Mary Glauert, seconded by Councillor Shaun Garrett, put to the vote and carried.”

“NOTE 2 In accordance with Part 4, Section D, Paragraph 18 of the Constitution, the voting for the officer’s recommendation to grant, subject to conditions and a legal agreement was unanimous, as follows:”