Marks & Spencer will not be able to bulldoze and redevelop its flagship central London store, after the secretary of state blocked the plans, reports the BBC.
image for illustration: Gary Rogers / Marks and Spencer. Commons Wikimedia
The BBC writes:
Despite strong opposition, Westminster Council and City Hall previously approved the scheme before it was later recalled by the government.
M&S boss Stuart Machin said the decision was an act of “self-sabotage… It is utterly pathetic.”
The decision… follows a public inquiry… ordered by the Communities Secretary Michael Gove – who has the power to overturn local planning decisions.
The… report raised concerns that its public benefits were offset by the potential harm to nearby heritage landmarks and criticised the environmental impact of the redevelopment…
… Planning inspectors had recommended the proposals be approved….
