M&S has initiated a legal battle against the UK government’s rejection of its Marble Arch development proposal, citing planning misinterpretations.
- The proposed redevelopment intended to replace the current aging Art Deco structure on Oxford Street, which M&S described as outdated and complex.
- Michael Gove’s rejection was based on concerns over heritage, environmental impact, and the proposal’s carbon footprint.
- M&S deemed the sustainability-focused rejection as baseless, arguing the new building would significantly reduce energy and water use.
- The retailer is prepared to challenge the decision fully, believing a misguided agenda influenced the government’s stance.
M&S has embarked on a legal challenge against the UK government’s decision to reject its ambitious proposal for redeveloping the Marble Arch site. The renowned retailer had plans to demolish the existing Art Deco structure on London’s bustling Oxford Street to revamp what it described as an ageing and labyrinthine site. The decision to pursue legal action stems from M&S’s belief that there has been a misinterpretation of planning policies by the Secretary of State, who used these policies to oppose the proposal based on heritage and environmental grounds.
In July, the rejection of the redevelopment plans by Michael Gove was primarily because the public benefits were not perceived to outweigh potential harm to surrounding landmarks and conservation areas. Furthermore, the initiative faced criticism over its carbon footprint and the lack of efforts to repurpose existing structures, such as transforming the current buildings instead of replacing them entirely.
Despite these claims, M&S has defended its proposal vigorously. The company’s CEO, Stuart Machin, criticized the sustainability argument as nonsensical, asserting that the new structure would be categorized among the top 1% of the most sustainable buildings in the city. According to Machin, the new building would consume less than a quarter of the energy used by the existing one, halve water consumption, and achieve a carbon payback within eleven years of completion.
M&S’s Operations Director, Sacha Berendji, expressed that the retailer felt compelled to initiate legal proceedings to counter what they perceive as a flawed agenda against the redevelopment plan. He emphasized M&S’s commitment to challenging the rejection to its fullest extent, reflecting the company’s determination to move forward with its vision for the Marble Arch site.
M&S remains resolute in its pursuit to overturn the government’s decision and proceed with its redevelopment plan for Marble Arch.
