WOODLAND bosses at the Crown Estate have explained why a section of Swinley Forest set to be used for a film set has been closed off.
Buttersteep Rise, in Ascot, has been earmarked as the prime location for a new TV series by a US production company.
Although a planning application has been submitted to use the green belt site as a filming location for a maximum 12-month period, the council has yet to make a decision on this proposal.
Residents were therefore concerned when it appeared work had already started on the site before planning permission had been granted.
Bridgerton film set Buttersteep Rise
A picture sent to the News appeared to show fencing had gone up around the earmarked site, with vehicles driving to and from Buttersteep Rise.
Now the Crown Estate has moved to explain why work is taking place at the potential filming location.
A notice placed at the site reads: “The Crown Estate are preparing this forest compartment for the possibility of filming.
READ MORE: Opposition to potential filming plans in Swinley Forest builds
“Filming will take place if planning permission is granted by Bracknell Forest Council. This process is currently ongoing.
“This immature crop will need to be cleared if the filming is to take place, and that clearance needs to take place before the bird-nesting season begins.
“For that reason, the work is commencing now.
Swinley Forest
“Recent clearances in Buttersteep, together with the creation of a protected area very close to here specifically for ground-nesting birds, means that there is ample opportunity for ground-nesting birds to flourish on this part of the Estate, and that the clearance of this small piece of land will not be detrimental to these important species in any way.
READ MORE: Residents worried about parking issues at potential film site in Swinley Forest
“Clearance will take a week. After which the ground will be managed until a planning decision is reached.
“The clearing of this compartment will eventually create an enhanced and renewed habitat for ground-nesting birds, as the current growth has reached such an extent that this area is no longer ideally suited as a habitat for them.”
Looks like the Crown Estate is assuming that @BracknellForest will approve plans for a film set in the Green Belt at Swinley Forest. This seems preemptive and it must be very close to bird nesting season. @bracknellnews pic.twitter.com/S7wSLy2GBH
— SPAE (@SPAE_org) February 27, 2021
It is not clear which show the set would be used for, and the Crown Estate has confirmed the series being recorded will not be hit Netflix period drama Bridgerton.
So far, 48 objections have been received by Bracknell Forest Council from residents opposed to the plans, with 12 letters of support being submitted too.
READ MORE: TV film set at Swinley Forest could harm birds, organisation warns
Full details of the proposal can be found by entering planning reference 20/01063/FUL at planapp.bracknell-forest.gov.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here