A heated dispute has erupted after Marks & Spencer's bid to demolish its iconic flagship store on Oxford Street was denied. The proposed plans involved replacing the Art Deco building near

Marble Arch with a new shop, offices, a cafe, and a gym.

Westminster council initially approved the proposal but faced significant opposition from heritage and environmental campaigners, leading to Communities Secretary Michael Gove calling for an inquiry. The rejection came as the public benefits were deemed insufficient compared to the harm posed to nearby landmarks, including the renowned Selfridges department store and several conservation areas.

The 110-page report cited concerns about the project's carbon footprint and its failure to reuse existing resources, such as converting existing buildings. M&S chief executive Stuart Machin expressed fury at the decision, accusing the government of dismissing expert opinions and threatening to withdraw the company from Oxford Street altogether.

However, a government source responded to the dispute, stating that the reasons for the refusal were clearly outlined in the decision letter. M&S had previously argued that there were no heritage reasons preventing the demolition since the three buildings on the site were not listed and did not belong to Westminster's conservation areas.

Campaigners urged for the refurbishment of existing buildings to reduce CO2 emissions instead of demolishing and rebuilding, highlighting the environmental impact of the proposed construction. As the controversy unfolds, Westminster Council has launched a consultation on revitalizing Oxford Street, aiming to enhance the shopping district and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.  Photo by Gary Rogers, Wikimedia commons.