Warner Bros studio extension threatened by green belt defenders

Plans to extend the Warner Bros studio in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, by more than a hectare are facing stiff opposition from locals. Creating the space for more movie magic would be green belt robbery, the Chiltern Society has said, and dozens of residents claim that there would be a massive increase in industry and traffic without adequate infrastructure. The Leavesden studio, near Watford, already has 16 stages, including Europe’s biggest water tank. Its sound stages cover about 350,000 sq ft in total. Warner Bros said the expansion plans would help to ensure that “Leavesden remains at the forefront of the fast-evolving film industry”, adding that it wanted to take into consideration “the interests of those living near by”. However, the Chiltern Society, which has about 7,000 members, said the expansion would lead to “permanent loss of green belt land” and that the “clear” traffic problems that exist at the site would be “likely to get worse with the proposed expansion”. The Gypsy Lane residents group said the expansion would “destroy” the environment. The Times (£)