Developer Reports Film Producer Interest in Proposed Studio Complex

The developer behind plans for a new studio complex on a former RAF base has stated that film producers have already expressed interest in utilizing the facilities. The envisioned site at Tattersett Business Park near Fakenham, Norfolk, is slated to feature five sound stages for filming, alongside workshops and various office spaces. Developer Roger Gawn asserted that the studios could potentially create up to 350 jobs and that he has “productions lurking in the pipeline”. North Norfolk District Council’s planning committee voted to grant outline permission for the project, contingent on proof that rivers will not be contaminated by “nutrient loading” from the development. Mr Gawn commented that the project would be “a major benefit to north Norfolk” and noted that producers had already shown interest in using the studios once constructed. He further added, “I’ve got a major feature film that could be filmed here. I’ve also got a ten-part TV series that’s going to be made here.” He indicated that the construction of the studio site would cost approximately £50m and that he has potential investors secured from both the UK and overseas. Mr Gawn also mentioned his intention to use “modular film studio buildings,” which could be assembled in as little as four months. Mr Gawn’s ownership of Tattersett Business Park, which he acquired in 2009, has drawn controversy due to a tyre mountain located on the site. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that the substantial pile began to accumulate after a tyre collection business started operating at the site in 1998. After purchasing the site, which is part of the former RAF Sculthorpe, Mr Gawn pledged to remove the tyres – said to have numbered more than a million – but many still remain. He stated that he is in the process of disposing of them, with roughly a third having been moved. Tattersett Parish Council objected to the studio plan, expressing concern that there was no guarantee the tyre mountain would be removed. The council also conveyed that it had “little confidence” the project would be completed due to a lack of secured funding. Environmental protection officers from the council also opposed the scheme, primarily because of noise concerns. Despite these objections, councillors unanimously approved the plan, on the condition that evidence can be provided that sewage generated by individuals using the site will comply with rules on nutrient neutrality. Mr Gawn expressed his “confidence” that the condition could be met and his hope to commence construction work on the studios within a year.