Council welcomes Warner Bros deal

Date:  09 November 2010

Harry, Hermione and Ron will soon have more room to swing their broomsticks now that Warner Brothers have started work to expand Leavesden Studios. As the site’s planning authority we have welcomed the Hollywood film makers’ proposed expansion and creation of a new visitor centre having approved planning permission in April.

Warner Brothers are hosting a reception to mark the event in London on Wednesday 10 November following commencement of work on the site last week.

Ann Shaw, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said:

"We carefully discussed the impact of the proposals with the Leavesden community and we have given thorough consideration to the local environment. The start of work on-site is a milestone in making Leavesden an even bigger player in the global film industry. The visitor centre plan is a particularly exciting development.

"The expansion will attract new firms to Leavesden Business Park and provide significant benefit to the local economy."


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was produced at the Studios and its world premiere takes place in London on Thursday (11 November). Other films made at Leavesden have included Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James Bond’s Goldeneye, Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, Sherlock Holmes and all the Harry Potter films.

Warner Brothers has agreed to provide us with 15 hectares of freehold adjoining land for public recreation and to provide £400,000 for landscaping and access improvements including connection to Leavesden Country Park. Warner Brothers has also agreed to pay £26,000 to improve local facilities to cope with the increased pressures on the area’s infrastructure including more or improved bus stops plus increased and clear road signage together with other highway improvements.

Leavesden Studios is located at the old Leavesden Aerodrome which was previously owned by Rolls Royce. MEPC is currently consulting Leavesden residents on its plans to build several hundred homes and a hotel next to the site.

The studio land in South West Hertfordshire was purchased by Warner Brothers from commercial property owner, MEPC.

We are the planning authority for Leavesden and we also work to promote economic development in Leavesden and the surrounding district.