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More blockbuster films could be made in Wokingham borough as Shinfield Studios has applied to Wokingham borough council for a temporary planning application for an external filming backlot (known as ‘Backlot 3’).
Prior approval consent to use the area for external filming purposes, including the construction of temporary film sets, was granted by Wokingham Borough Council in February 2025 (WBC application number 243097).
The prior approval expired in April 2026, however a further prior approval application has been submitted to extend the use of the land for an external backlot for a further three months (until July 2026).
Planning agents noted this latest planning application is submitted to secure the continued use of Backlot 3 as an external film studio backlot for a further temporary period of five years, supporting the ongoing needs of production companies using space at Shinfield Studios.
Shinfield Studios is a creative media hub of film studios stages, workshops and production offices which has previous planning permissions, and is one of the largest contemporary film studios within the UK attracting global film production companies.
Films and TV productions that have been filmed at Shinfield Studios include Last One Laughing, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, The Magic Faraway Tree, and Squid Game: The Challenge.
The Studios were also recently shortlisted for the ‘Studio of the Year’ award at the Screen International 2026 Global Production awards.
They added that the provision of the external backlot space will further support the operations at Shinfield Studios in attracting global production companies.
In turn this will support the economic influence of Shinfield Studios at a national and local level, helping to cement the creation of a ‘creative cluster’ of knowledge, innovation and technology located at the Thames Valley Science Park.
The application site is located entirely within the administrative boundary of Wokingham borough council, and the site extends to 1.05 hectares, and is located to the south of Oldhouse Farm, which itself is accessed via Oldhouse Lane.
The statutory consultation period runs until July 16.
For more information search application number 261368 on Wokingham borough council’s planning portal.
