Agenda item

Jason Turner, Development Manager gave an update on Pinewood West Development and Phase 3. A presentation was given which would be available on the website.

Phases 1 and 2 of the Pinewood Studio Development Framework (PSDF) were built out and operational and work was now being carried out with Phase 3 of the PSDF to deliver the studios expansion. At the meeting of the Buckinghamshire Council Strategic Sites Committee on 11^th March, a planning application would be considered to build 4 sound stages and a workshop on zone 4 and 4a of the fields (near the attenuation pond) which form part of Pinewood’s phase 3 expansion plan. This had been recommended for approval. Members noted the stage locations for stages V, W, X, Y and Z and photos were displayed of these areas.

The 2014 outline planning application anticipated that Phase 3 would deliver two three storey office buildings and car parking. The proposals for Phase 3 have since evolved due to operational needs at the Studios. Pinewood Studios were also looking to deliver new planting and landscaping in the southern fields, between the site for Phase 3 and Pinewood Green. Work started in late November on the site to erect a large temporary stage whilst full planning permission was sought for the permanent development. The temporary structure would be in place until 4 July 2021.

In terms of sustainability Sir Robert McAlpine have regular visits with their regional sustainability manager to assist with targets and all of the major components have been sourced in the UK. 100% of electricity used across Pinewood was from green energy sources. Site location plans were shown for Phase 3.

Greg Nightingale from LUC (planning, impact assessment, landscape design, ecology and geospatial consultancy) provided a short presentation on the 2020 Annual Ecological Monitoring Report. He referred to the work being carried out which included bat activity surveys, breeding bird surveys, sett surveys, inspection of bat boxes, assessment of reptiles etc. The completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 and proposed Phase 3 landscape works, comprised: new species rich meadows, enhanced existing meadows, new native woodlands, new native hedgerows, new native scrub planting, new species rich green roofs, new scattered trees, approximate total was 31,900 trees/shrubs and 1 reptile underpass, 25 invertebrate features, 16 hibernacula’s, 5 bird & 16 bat boxes. The slides provided more information on habitats, species, birds and adapted management recommendations to ensure Pinewood Studio Groups commitments were being met.

During discussion the following questions were asked:-

• The Chairman referred to the Computer Generated Image of the X and Y stage and mentioned if this is the same as the other stages ? Jason Turner mentioned that this stage replicates a more traditional stage, with brick work on the lower levels and sinusoidal cladding above. This was to help reference the Grade 11 listed building Heatherden Hall.  The materials of this stage were agreed with the conservation officer at South Bucks and were outlined in the planning decision.
• Cllr David Brackin asked for a break down by Parish on the free shuttle buses. There was a free shuttle bus service from Pinewood to Uxbridge, Slough, West Ruislip and Gerrards Cross. The service was available to the community and 753 passes have been issued across 274 households in the local area. The Senior Community and Education Outreach Manager reported that the shuttle bus was used to help locals with free travel to/from local stations at peak times on weekdays and passes historically issued to those who lived close to the studio. It was reiterated that the shuttle bus should not be used as a park and ride scheme to avoid unnecessary extra parking in local residential streets.
• The Chairman referred to the changes in the framework since it was submitted. The Corporate Director responded by informing Members of the increased demand for space and that the UK was the destination of choice, particularly for Amazon and Netflix. There was an acute shortage of stages and 2 million square feet was required to meet demand. This was a great success story.
• Cllr Pearce asked for assurance that wheel washers were being used whilst any earth works were being undertaken and if there was a lot of debris on the road to ensure that road sweepers were brought in if needed.
• Reference was made to the need to replant any trees. Matt Wright reported that over the course of this Spring they would look to see if any protection needed to be renewed or re introduced.  A landscape architect would look at which trees had failed and would replant them. The trees would be replaced around the clump. The Chairman referred to the failure rate of trees and what could be done to improve their survival rate. Matt Wright reported that not all trees were expected to grow as they would compete. Once they have ensured that they are viable other trees which were not would be replaced.
• Cllr Pearce referred to the wildlife which had been seen and asked what action would be undertaken to promote this further. Matt Wright referred to the landscape and ecology strategy. As a result of this they had employed Greg Nightingale to submit an Annual Ecology Report to Buckinghamshire Council including what actions would need to be taken to improve the environment.

To see the project details and comment on the proposals visit www.pinewoodstudiosphase3.co.uk. You can contact the Pinewood Studios project team by emailing pinewoodstudiosphase3@turley.co.uk or calling 0808 1688 296.