M&S plans to demolish historic flagship store investigated

Oxford Street alliances have formed around Marks & Spencer’s plans to demolish its flagship store, with a public enquiry now set to explore the proposal. The inquiry launched last week will determine whether demolition plans can go ahead and whether the replacement meets London’s heritage conservation guidelines. Launched by Michael Gove earlier this year, it will allow senior planners to decide how corporations handle the capital city’s heritage.The Marble Arch branch opened in 1930, and the historic building is the supermarket chain’s largest shop.But Marks & Spencer announced plans to flatten the location in 2021, citing Covid-induced changes to consumer behaviour.Instead, the firm aims to build a new 10-storey building in its place, splitting the shop across two floors, with the others holding offices or leisure space.The consultation document drawn by M&S states that, as the “nature of retail” changes, customers are “less likely to progress up numerous levels”.READ MORE: Putin considering ‘further steps’ after accusation of UK sabotage M&S plans to demolish historic flagship store investigated in Westminster inquiry (Image: GETTY) Organisations have argued the shop is a vital part of London’s heritage (Image: GETTY) Marks and Spencer opened its flagship store in 1930 (Image: GETTY)Mr Gove ordered the scheme in June while serving as Communities Secretary, and it aims to conclude whether Westminster was right to award planning permission.He has previously queried whether the construction would follow planning rules concerning heritage and the historic environment.The M&S plan has received significant backlash from environmental campaigners, who have claimed work would send 40,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.M&S representatives hit out at the decision in June, with representatives stating they were ‘bewildered and disappointed’.DON’T MISS’You’re a f***ing disgrace!’ Mums showered with abuse after catching 17 speeding drivers – INSIGHTDundee in flames as youths smash cars with bricks and hurl fireworks into the street – PICTURES’Traumatised’ dad’s priceless reaction after daughter shows off her sexy Halloween costume – VIDEO Representatives have blamed changing consumer habits on their need to rebuild (Image: GETTY)While environmental sustainability is one aspect of protests against the plans, other campaigners have focused on preserving the UK’s heritage.Campaign group Save Britain’s Heritage has opposed the plans, stating that M&S should take the opportunity to conserve the “handsome” landmark and boost its green credentials.SAVE director Henrietta Billings told the Evening Standard in 2021 that the “massive demolition” and following new build scheme would blast “a colossal hole” in Westminster City Council’s net-zero targets.Ms Billings added the building was “ready for adaptation” and could last “another 100 years’.