Approval recommended for creative hub and film studios at former RAF airfield

Plans to redevelop the former RAF Church Fenton site into a new creative hub, which could support around 1,800 jobs, have been recommended for approval.

Known as Create Yorkshire, the North Yorkshire development provide commercial space for a wide array of businesses from within the creative industries on one built-for-purpose site alongside permanently establishing television and film production at the site.

Makin Enterprise, the owners of the former airfield, said the “vision” of Create Yorkshire is to build on the success of the film and television studios, Church Fenton Yorkshire Studios, which are already in hangar buildings at the site.

The studios are presently home to ITV’s TV show Victoria, the third series of which began its airing last Sunday evening. The site is also currently the home of a number of local creative businesses, including design agencies and video production companies.

The ‘hybrid’ planning application will seek full planning permission for a flagship HQ-style building and the conversion of existing aerodrome buildings into studios; with outline permission being sought for the development of a creative, digital and media industries employment hub.

Once fully operational, the creative hub and studios could support 1,800 permanent jobs in the creative and digital sector. Further jobs will also be created through the construction period and in the supply chain supporting the site.

Makin Enterprises has welcomed the recommendation by Selby District Council planning officers.

A spokesperson for Create Yorkshire said: “We are pleased with the officer’s recommendation to approve the proposals. This is a unique opportunity to put the area on the world stage and become a centre of excellence for TV and film production.

“There is massive potential for a creative hub to have a positive impact on the local area and its economy. We hope that planning committee members will support our vision.”