Sky has applied for a temporary use of land next to its new studios in Borehamwood.

The Sky Studios Elstree complex is currently under construction and set to open later this year with 13 sound stages, but the operators are now working to add more space on surrounding green belt land.

An application to use land to the west of the A1 as backlot space was submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council earlier this month.

Sky Studios Limited has applied to use the land as backlot space for a period of three years, which would include space to build outdoor sets.

In a planning statement submitted to the council, the applicant said the backlot could include the building of new temporary structures, such as blue screens, with a maximum height of 15 metres and a maximum length of 40 meters.

The space would be open for use 24 hours a day during the week, but typical operation hours will be around 6am-6pm depending on the use and the applicant says high noise activities (such as the building of sets) will be limited to daytime hours only.

The 3.86 hectares site is currently designated as green belt land, although the applicants note it is earmarked for development in the borough council’s draft local plan.

It adds that the lack of alternative sites and a need for filming space would constitute very special circumstances to build on the green belt, and there would be limited harm to the purpose of the green belt.

The application adds the land will be reinstated to its original condition after three years, and this can be controlled with the introduction of a planning condition.

If approved, the backlot space is expected to open at the same time as the rest of the complex becomes operational.

When open, the studios will become the setting of new film and TV productions for Sky and American broadcaster NBCUniversal.

Consultation on the proposals is open until February 9 on the borough council’s planning portal via reference number 22/0044/FUL.