A new film studio building with a “strong visual presence” at the Winnersh Triangle Business Park could get planning permission this week.
Film studio company Stage 50 wants permission to demolish two warehouses at the business park and replace it with a “sound stage” building that can accommodate two studios.
If the plans are given the go-ahead, they would be the latest element of a project to build a new “creative quarter” at Winnersh Triangle.
Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee is set to make a decision on Wednesday, October 11.
Plans submitted to the council say the new building would be 4,500 square metres in size and be 18-metres. Planners Union4 Planning said this is because the building has to accommodate large pieces of equipment.
The planning statement said: “As a sound stage, there are certain fundamental requirements that the site and building must deliver.
“Primarily there must be the necessary amount of space. These are significantly sized spaces that need to accommodate oversized equipment and crews.
“Soundproofing is essential, and the provision of ‘elephant doors’ are also a fundamental feature as the buildings need to accommodate large pieces of set, vehicles and stage equipment whilst delivering the necessary acoustic and climatic mitigation.”
Wokingham Borough Council has received no objections from Winnersh residents, and said there are no buildings where people live nearby.
Planning officers added that the number of parking spaces that would be provided – a total of 152 – meets its approved standards.
There would also be a new pedestrian crossing on Eskdale Road, and space to park 30 cycles.
Some 21 trees will be removed to make way for the new building – but planning officers say this is acceptable as there are plans for new plants on Eskdale Road to replace them.
A sound stage is a soundproofed building where audio can be recorded while filming, rather than being added afterwards.
Union4 Planning said Winnersh Triangle is an ideal place to build new film facilities, as it’s close to London, the M4 and Heathrow Airport.
It added: “The proposals form part of a wider masterplan which seeks the development of a new ‘creative quarter’ at Winnersh Triangle with the delivery of a total of 5 sound stages, offices, and workshops and one of the largest virtual production stages in Europe.”
