Forum Topic

M&S Oxford Street flagship store: the saga isn't over yet!

Marks and campaigners opposed to the proposal, led by heritage group Save, have been asked to submit new arguments that are currently sitting on the desks of Gove’s officials. The Secretary of State could block the proposal again on different grounds, a decision likely to trigger a new lengthy legal challenge, order a second public inquiry, a process that could last another year, or even wave it through. There are no indications of the timeline for his new ruling. https://www.standard.co.uk/business/m-s-marble-arch-saga-farce-shop-oxford-street-gove-planning-major-flagship-marks-and-spencer-b1156649.html

Richard Carter ● 411d6 Comments

This, a series if ideas on how to save the store, was in the Guardian a few days ago: it's not over yet!https://amp.theguardian.com/artanddesign/article/2024/jun/07/marks-and-spencer-flagship-store-london-art-deco

Richard Carter ● 375d

Apologies Martine but I was convinced it was a Grade II listed building.  Ooops!

Ivonne Holliday ● 411d

Sorry, Ivonne, you have confused me a bit. 
I just checked.  M&S Orchard House is not listed and, more surprisingly, is not in a conservation area.  A bit worrying for Oxford Street? Re: the dovecote, the farmer didn’t have permission to demolish it.  Another little old building gone.

Martine Guy ● 411d

I agree, Martine.Sadly, it the building is demolished and a new one built, there is no VAT.  If the facade is left and work carried in inside the building, VAT applies.It is one of those ridiculous "rules" that apply at the moment.What I do not understand is why a Grade II listed building has been given the go ahead to demolish - until now......  :-( :-(

Ivonne Holliday ● 411d

As I have said before, I believe we have the architectural talent in this country who can come up with a design that would join the existing building with a new structure.  It is too easy to demolish heritage at the moment and the tax situation should be changed to favour protecting heritage. By the way, did you read about the Grade II Listed 17th century Dovecote in Shropshire that was demolished by a farmer without consent.  He has been fined £45,000 but I don’t understand why he hasn’t been made to rebuild it.  I think that should be part of the punishment in such cases.

Martine Guy ● 411d

Fingers crossed the plans are stopped!

Ivonne Holliday ● 411d