The future of Borehamwood's old Gate Studios has been plunged into fresh doubt, after the Government rejected a plea to have it listed.

At the same time, it has been revealed that a developer is interested in building homes on the site of the town's oldest surviving film industry buildings.

An application for listed status was made to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), earlier this year, amid fears the 1928 building could be knocked down, after it was put on the market by its owner, screen-maker Harkness Hall.

The application, by Hertsmere Borough Council's museums officer Julie Massey was backed by individuals and organisations including: Hertsmere MP James Clappison; Paul Welsh, chairman of the Elstree Film Studios Partnership Ltd, and Watford MP and secretary of the Parliamentary Film Industry Group, Claire Ward.

But last week it was announced that Tessa Jowell, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, had decided not to list the building, on the advice of English Heritage.

The DCMS' decision letter states: "The studio appears, from its history, to have been quickly constructed.

"It seems to have played a minor role in the larger context of British film making.

"Three studios are listed in the country Ealing Studios, Bushey Studios and a selection of Denham Studios.

"The Gate Studios has much local interest as a prominent landmark and part of the cultural history of the area. This does not suffice."

Mr Welsh said: "I am very sad, and to cite Bushey and Denham studios as being of such significant historical interest seems odd.

"The Gate is standing much as it stood in 1928, whilst neither of the other structures have survived in their original form. Denham has been mostly demolished and Bushey has been considerably altered by its present use as offices.

"The Gate is probably the oldest-surviving purpose-built sound stage in the country, and it seems a missed opportunity to preserve something that is very symbolic of a past era of film production."

Ms Massey, who is looking into whether she can appeal, said: "I am disappointed it could have been a great asset, and it is one of the last surviving monuments of the film industry in Hertsmere.

"I am sure it is going to be knocked down and developed."

Mr Clappison vowed to look into the matter, adding: "I am disappointed they are not paying sufficient regard to our cinema heritage."

Ms Ward said: "I am very disappointed they have come to that decision.

"I do think it is a studio that needs protection.

"Maybe the town council and those who have been involved will have to consider if there is any other action they can take."

A Hertsmere Borough Council spokesman confirmed, this week, that the council had received a plan, from a prospective developer, proposing residential development, although not a formal planning application.

He said the council was disappointed by the decision not to list the studio, but added: "Hertsmere Borough Council is keen to retain some recognition of the site's historical interest in any potential redevelopment."

October 31, 2001 16:25