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Five week planning inquiry into Pinewood Studios Ltd's proposal to create Project Pinewood, a groundbreaking living and working community for the creative industries next to the world famous film studios, involving 15 different streetscapes representing a variety of international cities (avoiding the time, expense and carbon emissions of travelling to film ‘on location’), together with 1400 residential units. The economic growth in the creative sector that would be generated by the scheme was anticipated to generate at least £2.7billion additional value to the UK's GDP over thirty years. Pinewood Studios Ltd's case was that these economic benefits, coupled with the other the scheme's other advantages, constituted 'very special circumstances' which justified granting permission despite the site's Green Belt status.
The Secretary of State's decision is awaited. Christopher Katkowski QC and Charles Banner appeared for Pinewood Studios Ltd, instructed by Travers Smith LLP.