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Studio behind Ariana Grande film Wicked gets new planning rights

Universal Pictures Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba with Ariana Grande as GlindaUniversal Pictures
The Wizard of Oz prequel features Grande as Glinda The Good Witch, and Chewing Gum star Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba

Studios where Ariana Grande filmed Wicked are now covered by special, flexible planning rules.

Hertsmere Borough Council has agreed to let Sky Studios Elstree in Hertfordshire build sets without going through the usual planning process.

The EastEnders production team has had similar planning powers for the Walford set at the nearby BBC Elstree Centre since 2020.

Sky Studios said it was thrilled with the decision.

Chief operating officer Caroline Cooper said: "We built Sky Studios Elstree to welcome some of the biggest blockbusters from across the globe and so we're thrilled that this special planning permission has been approved, allowing for the flexibility needed in a world-class studio facility."

Studio Canal This film publicity image released by Studio Canal shows an animated Paddington bear in the part-animated film Paddington,released in 2014Studio Canal
Sky Studios Elstree has also hosted Paddington in Peru, the third film in the series made by StudioCanal

Wicked: Part One was the first film to be shot at Sky Studios Elstree and the musical is due in cinemas this autumn.

On Wednesday, cross-party councillors voted to adopt two development consent orders (LDOs), which cover the studio and Panattoni Park Borehamwood, which Sky leases.

Without LDOs, the studio would be required to submit planning permission for every new production.

This is beneficial for a film studio, which often needs to build temporary structures such as marquees and portable buildings.

Hertsmere Borough Council has previously adopted an LDO for the EastEnders set at BBC Elstree Centre, also in Borehamwood.

AFP Sky Studio ElstreeAFP
Sky's proposed plan to build a norther extension to their studio will be decided on in May

Sky Studios Elstree may only use the LDOs "to support and facilitate film and television production".

A list of permitted activities includes designing, building, decorating, storing and striking film sets, welfare and catering for crew, hair and makeup, and post-production.

The orders set out that structures must not exceed a height of 15m (49ft) above ground level, except for hoarding and fencing, which has a limit of 5m (16ft).

Hertsmere Borough Council is yet to rule on separate plans to expand the Sky Studios Elstree site.

The company is planning a northern extension between Borehamwood's Rowley Lane and the A1, with 10 sound stages and a forecasted £2bn additional production investment into the UK's creative economy over the first five years of operation.

A decision on the proposed extension is due in May.

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