Michael Gove has rejected M&S’ redevelopment plans for its Marble Arch flagship that would see the Art Deco building demolished.
In response, M&S boss Stuart Machin said Gove’s decision was “laughable” and “utterly pathetic”, adding that the ruling meant that he must now review its future on London’s Oxford Street, considered the prime retail location in the country.
Machin also took aim at the current state of the London shopping street and said: “When 42 of the 269 shops on what should be our nation’s premier shopping street sit vacant, disregarding the expert opinion and approval of the appointed planning inspector and playing to the gallery by kiboshing the only retail-led regeneration proposal is a short-sighted act of self-sabotage by the secretary of state and its effects will be felt far beyond M&S and the West End.”
The plans were blocked by the Communities Secretary over concerns that the public benefits of the proposal did not outweigh the harm to nearby landmarks, including the grade II listed Selfridges building and nearby conservation areas.
The proposal’s failure to reuse existing sources, such as converting the current buildings, and the scheme’s carbon footprint were also cited as reasons.
M&S defended its plans and said there was “no heritage reason” why the three buildings on the site should not be demolished, as they are not listed and do not sit within the council’s conservation areas.
“Any heritage harm will be significantly outweighed by the benefits,” Russell Harris KC, representing the retailer, told the inquiry.
The retailer warned it would close down the flagship shop altogether if it was not allowed to rebuild it.
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Westminster City Council cabinet member for planning and economic development Cllr Geoff Barraclough said: “The Marks & Spencer application had significant implications for the environment so it was right the case should be tested robustly.
“The Council’s position is to encourage landowners to refurbish buildings, not demolish them.
“Clearly this is a disappointing day for M&S but we hope they return with a revised scheme which meets the new tests presented by the climate emergency.
“Footfall on Oxford Street is improving and with our exciting plan for an overhaul of Oxford Street just launched, M&S can remain a powerful presence.”
Commenting on Gove’s ruling, M&S chief executive Stuart Machin said: “The suggestion that the decision is on the grounds of sustainability is nonsensical.
“With retrofit not an option – despite us reviewing sixteen different options – our proposed building would have ranked in the top 1% of the entire city’s most sustainable buildings. It would have used less than a quarter of the energy of the existing structure, reduced water consumption by over half, and delivered a carbon payback within 11 years of construction.
“It is also completely at odds with the inquiry process where the analysis on sustainability, including from independent experts Arup, was accepted.
“We have been clear from the outset that there is no other viable scheme – so, after almost a century at Marble Arch, M&S is now left with no choice but to review its future position on Oxford Street on the whim of one man. It is utterly pathetic.”
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