Marks & Spencer is attacking Michael Gove’s decision to halt the renovation of its flagship store on Oxford Street as a “political event”.
The retailer has received approval from Westminster City Council and the Greater London administration to demolish the Art Deco landmark and build a new 10-storey shopping and office block.
However, the Equalization, Housing and Communities Division (DLUHC) took control of the planning application amid environmental concerns.
Sasha Berendji, the group’s property director at M&S, said the company was “confused and disappointed by Michael Gove’s baseless decision” and accused the secretary of raising his “political reputation”.
He added: “For a government that is said to be focusing on the equalization program, calling for this significant investment in one of our most iconic shopping places will have a chilling effect on regeneration programs across the country at a time when many urban centers have been abandoned and the property market is increasingly uncertain. “
A DLUHC spokesman said: “This is a disappointing and misleading statement from M&S.
“Call decisions are made in accordance with established policy. A project of such importance should be considered by the independent planning inspectorate and ministers. “
The intervention comes after Mr. Gove issued the so-called Article 31 order, forcing developers to stop the project.
It will now be referred to a public inquiry overseen by an independent planning inspector, who will present his recommendation to the government. The process is expected to take at least six months.
Campaigners lobbied against the plans, citing concerns about the amount of carbon released during the construction process.
Simon Sturgess, an architect and adviser to the Greater London authorities, warned that the refurbishment would produce about 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide before the new building could be put into operation.
Henrietta Billings, director of Save Britain’s Heritage, described the intervention as “great news”.
She added: “Save strongly believes that there is no need to demolish this historic M&S building. Through our campaign, we have shown that with a complete renovation, this building can continue to serve as a landmark on Oxford Street for the next 100 years.
However, M&S cited a review by independent environmental consultants who found that the new low-carbon building would compensate more than any emissions from the renovation.
The retailer said he was confident in the analysis, which also indicated that the new building would be among the top 10 buildings in London for sustainability.
It is estimated that it will take about 16 years for the building to compensate for the initial damage to the environment.
The dispute highlights the conflict between Mr Gove’s equalization agenda and the government’s broader ambitions for zero net.
Real estate experts have warned of a “time bomb” as important decisions such as the M&S building set a precedent for the government’s future approach to real estate planning.
Last year, Mr Gove blocked the 305-meter Tulip Tower in the City of London, partly for environmental reasons, while deciding whether to intervene in a £ 400m project to renovate former ITV studios at South Bank.
The government has said it will only apply when it involves planning issues of more than local importance.
Dee Corsi, Chief Operating Officer of New West End Company, said: “Securing a bright and prosperous future for Oxford Street requires high levels of investment and development.
It is vital that councils and businesses redouble their efforts to work together to secure long-awaited public investment and to ensure that progressive planning and licensing policies are in place to enable businesses to respond to changing trends. customers by providing innovative and future-proof buildings that are suitable for a revived, dynamic main street. ”
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