Councillors backed a step-free walking and cycling bridge over the A404 at The Chase, Marlow. Marlow Studios cannot start work until it has permission.

A new walking and cycling bridge over the A404 at The Chase, Marlow, has been backed by Buckinghamshire Council’s Strategic Sites Committee. It would replace the step-only footbridge, known locally as the Volvo Footbridge, with one that has ramps at both ends.

The bridge matters well beyond the walkers who use it. The Marlow Film Studios permission bars any work on the studio site, including demolition and groundworks, until planning permission for this bridge has been granted.

The committee met on Thursday 22 October. On the webcast, councillors voted on a show of hands to approve application 24/07177/FUL (Buckinghamshire Council, Strategic Sites Committee, 22 October 2026). The final permission is delegated to the council’s planning director, in consultation with the committee chairman. Councillors added a condition on community safety and on accessibility for all users.

No decision notice had been issued when we checked, so permission is not yet formally granted.

What would be built

The officers’ report sets out the design (Buckinghamshire Council, case officer’s report, 24/07177/FUL):

  • a single-span steel truss bridge, 38.2 metres long, over Parkway and both carriageways of the A404
  • about six metres south of the existing bridge, which would be removed
  • 4 metres wide, shared by people walking and cycling, with parapets at least 1.4 metres high
  • ramps at both ends at a 1 in 20 gradient, in place of the current steps
  • the same 5.7 metres of clearance over the road as now
  • a privacy screen and tree planting on the Marlow side, where the ramps come closest to homes

National Highways would be responsible for the structure. Buckinghamshire Council would adopt and maintain the surface.

The bridge links Marlow to the Little Marlow Country Park area, east of the A404. The current bridge is pedestrian only, with steps. Officers judged that the step-free access outweighed the loss of part of the green space at The Chase and the effect on neighbouring homes.

Why the studios need it

The applicant is Dido Properties Ltd.

Marlow Film Studios won planning permission on appeal in November 2025, after the council had refused it. The replacement bridge was offered as part of that scheme’s transport measures. The permission carries this condition, number 24:

No development shall commence (including demolition, ground works vegetation clearing) until planning permission has been granted for a replacement ‘Volvo’ bridge, which is capable of being used by pedestrians, cyclists and is DDA compliant along with associated footpaths and cycle connections.

The studios also cannot open until the new bridge is built and open to the public.

What people said

Eight representations were made. Seven came from the public: three objecting, one in support and three neutral. Objectors said the bridge was not needed, would cause disruption, and would not meet the required 10% biodiversity net gain. The supporter said it “vastly improves the status quo regarding car-free and step-free accessibility”.

What it means for you

  • If you walk, cycle or use a wheelchair, the new bridge would give step-free access from Marlow to the paths around the Little Marlow lakes for the first time.
  • If you drive the A404, building it will need a highway agreement with National Highways. No construction dates or road closures have been published yet. We will add them to our roadworks and travel page when they are.
  • If you are following the studios, once this permission is issued, the condition that has kept the site untouched is met.

Our earlier story covers Marlow Studios’ new leadership. Other applications are on our High Wycombe planning news page.