A 1.4 million sq ft expansion of Pinewood Studios, which will make it the world’s biggest, has been approved by Buckinghamshire Council.

The scheme will deliver 21 new purpose-built sound stages, a backlot filming space, education and training hub and a publicly accessible nature reserve.

Pinewood says the plan will create 8,000 new jobs and inject £640m a year into the UK economy. Once the development is complete, Pinewood will have a total of 51 purpose-built stages.

The new nature reserve will be 63-acres at Alderbourne Farm, north of the existing studio site. It will aim to protect existing habitats and enhance local biodiversity as well as provide new footpaths.

Pinewood Group corporate affairs director Andrew Smith said: “We’re delighted Buckinghamshire Council has approved our plans for the expansion of Pinewood Studios and new nature reserve at Alderbourne Farm.

“This development will provide invaluable resources to the British film and TV sector, consolidate Pinewood’s status as the UK’s leading production site, deliver significant benefits to our local community and encourage new talent to join the industry.”

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