Temporary film studio backlot approved in Shinfield
The land must return to agricultural use after five years
A film studio backlot has been given permission to operate for five years on agricultural land south of Oldhouse Farm in Shinfield.
Wokingham Borough Council granted the full application on 13th October 2026.
The decision notice describes the proposal as use of the land as a film studio backlot for a temporary period of five years.
The application number is 261358, and the site postcode is RG2 9AE.
The notice does not name the applicant, listing it only as "The Owner and/or Occupier".
One of the approved site plans is titled "Proposed Land Use Site Plan Shinfield Studios - Backlot 3".
The council said the site can only be used for activities linked to making media and filming.
There can be no live audiences without written approval from the council beforehand.
Requests for approval must be made 10 working days before an event.
The council said it gave significant weight to the economic benefits of the proposal.
It said another form of use might not be acceptable in the countryside.
The notice says the backlot must stop operating no later than five years from the date of the permission.
The land must then go back to agricultural use straight away.
It must also be cleared and returned to its previous condition.
The council said the aim is to protect the borough's existing agricultural land.
Work on the development must begin within three years of the permission.
Temporary buildings on the site cannot be taller than 15 metres, unless the council agrees otherwise in writing.
The council said the limit is to protect the setting of the Grade II listed Oldhouse Farmhouse and Barn.
It also said the limit is meant to reduce the impact on the landscape of the Loddon Valley.
Construction work and set building can only take place between 7.30am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 3pm on Saturdays.
No construction work can take place on Sundays, bank holidays or national holidays, unless the council agrees otherwise in writing.
No work or operations, including loading and unloading, can take place on the site between 1am and 6am on any day of the week.
No plant or machinery can be operated on the site during those hours.
The council said the conditions are to protect people living nearby from noise and disturbance.
Noise from plant, machinery and equipment must not be more than 5 decibels above the existing background level.
That limit rises to 10 decibels if the noise has a particular tonal quality.
It is measured one metre outside the nearest home or noise-sensitive building.
The development must follow the flood risk assessment submitted with the application.
There can be no built development or changes to ground levels within the flood extents set out in that assessment.
The notice says the flood risk assessment must be fully revised if an extension of the five-year period is ever sought.
Work must follow the tree protection plans and the arboricultural method statement dated May 2026.
Protective fencing around trees cannot be moved or removed until all external works are complete and equipment has gone.
Before any external lighting is used, a lighting strategy for wildlife must be approved by the council.
It must identify areas that are sensitive for bats and badgers and show the maximum level of lighting planned.
The developer must tell the council straight away if unexpected contamination is found.
If none is found, a letter confirming this must be sent to the council when the development is finished.
The notice says an officer report explaining the decision will be available to view online.